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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Pneumomediastinum, Seems To Be Going Away Itself. Want To Quit Smoking. Opinions ?

I recently had a pneumomediastinum, 3-4 days ago, it wasn't a really bad one, I ended up getting a bunch of tests done and it seemed to be healing on its own so they sent me home without any kind of medication. I obviously know that I should not smoke, and I haven't been since I got it, but I am dying for a little bit of a smoke, I am planning on quitting and all, but going cold turkey is not the way for me to do it, I have tried many times before and I always end up falling back into smoking a lot more once I break, I am just wondering if it is a terrible idea to go out for a smoke every now and then but continuously cutting back how much and then hopefully in not too long I won't be smoking anymore, but going from being a heavy smoker to nothing at all is a shock and I am struggling to not go out for a cigarette or a joint at least. I am just wondering, because I am reading and hearing lots of different things, and I would like a legitimate expert opinion as my doctor really didn't give me much information. Thanks.
Thu, 26 Sep 2013
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Pulmonologist 's  Response
What you can do is that whenever you have the urge to smoke you can chew a nicotine gum or suck a lozenge with 4mg of nicotine. It will help you get over the pangs and urge however a constant boost to urself is needed to quit
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Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr. Preeti Parakh's  Response
Hi,

There is no harm in gradually cutting down and then stopping completely, if you do not wish to quit cold turkey. But what often happens is that people are unable to sustain the momentum and get back to previous pattern of use in a few days. Please also consider other options like nicotine replacement therapy and medications to reduce craving, which can help you quit with ease in a few weeks.

Best wishes.
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Had Pneumomediastinum, Seems To Be Going Away Itself. Want To Quit Smoking. Opinions ?

What you can do is that whenever you have the urge to smoke you can chew a nicotine gum or suck a lozenge with 4mg of nicotine. It will help you get over the pangs and urge however a constant boost to urself is needed to quit