BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is an option which smokers may want to try if they are bent on cutting off their craving for smoking.
NRT is a medical treatment which cuts the craving for smoking with reduced effect of withdrawal symptoms and eliminates dependence to nicotine. It contains nicotine which comes in various forms such as nicotine skin patch, inhaler, candy, gum or nasal spray.
Loraine C. Ramos, Health Education and Promotion Officer III of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center(BGHMC), shared that one thing smokers fear if they go into quit-smoking plan is the withdrawal symptoms. Commonly being experienced are insomnia, lack of focus, increased appetite, depression, irritability, cravings, restlessness and anxiety symptoms. But Ramos said the NRT eases such withdrawal symptoms.
Ramos bared they expect to turn over the nicotine skin patches donated by the World Health Organization to the region’s provincial health offices, city health offices and rural health units including hospitals for patients who want to go through the therapy.
Prior to the turn-over, there will be a three-day training of its administration and related concerns for medical stakeholders in the provinces, municipalities, and cities from April 20-22, 2022 spearheaded by the Philippine College of Chest Physicians - Society of Pulmonologists in partnership with the BGHMC.
“Basically ito ‘yong dapat na ibibigay na services sa mga gustong mag quit na kung saan ito ay maibibigay sa mga health centers at mobile cessation clinics,” Ramos said.
Allaying fears among those who would want to try, she assured that they will not be left unaided. “Huwag kayong mag-alala kasi meron kaming referral line for difficulties encountered for those using the patch during the implementation. Huwag kayong mag-alala nandito lang po kami with regards to your difficulties,” she said.
A combination of pharmacologic therapy or medical treatment and behavioral support and is accordingly the best approach to quit smoking. (JDP/SCA-PIA CAR)
