How Tobacco Use Increases the Risk of Infectious Diseases
Smoking is bad for your health, we all know that. But did you know that tobacco use also makes you more likely to catch infectious diseases like the flu, pneumonia, and even COVID-19? It's true - lighting up doesn't just damage your lungs, it also weakens your immune system and makes you a prime target for nasty bugs and viruses.
How Smoking Weakens Your Immune System
When you smoke, you're not just harming your lungs - you're also damaging your immune system. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals that inflame your airways and impair the function of your immune cells. Over time, this leads to:
- Reduced ability to fight off infections
- Slower healing from wounds and illnesses
- Higher risk of developing autoimmune disorders
Smoking also causes oxidative stress and DNA damage in your immune cells, further compromising their ability to detect and destroy pathogens. The more you smoke, the weaker your immune defenses become.
Top Infectious Diseases Linked to Tobacco Use
With a weakened immune system, smokers are at increased risk for a variety of infectious diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Pneumonia
Smoking is a major risk factor for pneumonia, a serious lung infection that can be life-threatening. The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the cilia - tiny hair-like projections that sweep bacteria out of your lungs. This allows germs to accumulate and cause infection.
Smokers are also more likely to develop antibiotic-resistant pneumonia, which is harder to treat. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your pneumonia risk.
2. Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. Smokers have a much higher risk of developing active TB compared to non-smokers. Tobacco use also makes TB harder to treat and more likely to recur after treatment.
Fortunately, quitting smoking can lower your TB risk to that of a non-smoker within a few years. But the sooner you quit, the better.
3. Influenza (Flu)
Smokers are more likely to catch the flu and have more severe symptoms compared to non-smokers. Tobacco use impairs the function of immune cells that fight the flu virus, making it harder for your body to clear the infection.
Smoking also increases your risk of flu-related complications like pneumonia and respiratory failure. Getting an annual flu shot is especially important for smokers.
4. COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dangers of smoking. Studies show that smokers have a higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 compared to non-smokers. Smoking damages the lungs and weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off the virus.
Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to reduce your COVID-19 risk. If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Your life could depend on it.
How to Quit Smoking and Protect Your Health
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. It's not easy, but with the right support and tools, you can break the addiction and protect yourself from infectious diseases. Here are some tips to help you quit:
-Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT products like patches, gum, and lozenges can double your chances of quitting successfully. They provide a safe, controlled dose of nicotine to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
-Join a smoking cessation program. Support groups, counseling, and behavioral therapy can boost your chances of quitting for good. Many programs are now available online or over the phone.
-Avoid triggers and high-risk situations. Identify the people, places, and activities that make you want to smoke, and have a plan to avoid or cope with them. Throw away all your cigarettes and lighters.
-Stay busy and active. Fill your time with healthy habits like exercise, hobbies, and spending time with non-smoking friends. The more you keep your hands and mind occupied, the easier it will be to resist cravings.
-Be patient and persistent. Quitting smoking is a journey, not a one-time event. If you slip up, don't beat yourself up. Get back on track and keep trying. Every smoke-free day is a victory.
Remember, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. It may not be easy, but with the right support and determination, you can do it. Your lungs, your immune system, and your future self will thank you.
Discover Us - Kea Health
About Us
From the beginning, our journey started in the heart of a local family venture, focusing intently on offering both personalized and understanding services. Spanning over five decades, we've grown from our roots but carried the essence of our original mission across America, reaching customers far and wide. Despite our expansion, the heart of our operation remains unchanged: treating every one of our customers with genuine sincerity and understanding, reminiscent of their experience in our very first store.
Our Purpose
We dedicate ourselves to assisting individuals on their journey to quit smoking by providing not just support but also judgment-free guidance. Our arsenal includes affordable Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products, scientifically backed to ease the quitting process. Whether it's your initial attempt or a continuation of your journey, we equip you with top-tier NRT options and community-oriented support to ease your path. Your triumph in quitting is our ultimate aim, and we're committed to making it a reality.
Our Motivation
Understanding the complexity and challenges of quitting smoking on a personal level fuels our drive. With a history touched by addiction's impact, our motivation extends beyond mere product provision — we're in it for the long haul, offering individualized support and hand-selected, clinically proven NRT options. We stand by every 'quitter,' aiming to support yet another victory against smoking.
Our Principles
At the core of our mission lie our values, pivotal in aiding you to break free from smoking. They are:
- Integrity: Our foundation is trust. We maintain transparency, grounded in evidence, embodying the reliability that comes from our family-oriented roots.
- Innovation: We remain at the forefront, ensuring our NRT products represent the pinnacle of current advancements, embodying cutting-edge and effective solutions.
- Compassion: Recognizing the uniqueness of each quitting journey, we approach every individual with empathy, tailoring our support to meet your specific challenges.
- Excellence: At KEA Health, we settle for nothing less than superior. Our products and services are designed to deliver results, striving to support an increasing number of quitters.
Our Mission
KEA Health is driven by a compelling mission: to empower and guide as many individuals as possible in their quitting journey through empathy and expertise. We aim to make a significant dent in smoking-related harm, envisioning a future where smoking cessation is within everyone's grasp, ensuring a smoother and more effective quitting experience.
Our Pledge
Our commitment spans beyond individual success in quitting smoking; we aim to bolster public health overall. By facilitating easier access to quitting resources, we're on a path to diminish the repercussions of smoking and nurture healthier communities. Having supported thousands in their quest, we remain eager to welcome more to the ranks of successful quitters.
Subscription Benefits
Our subscription service underscores our dedication to making quitting an easier, more affordable, and convenient endeavor. Subscribers enjoy a 5% discount on every order, coupled with the convenience of automatic deliveries scheduled to suit your pace. Say goodbye to the hassle of reordering and experience a streamlined quitting journey with our tailored subscription options.
Explore Our Range
Our team of expert pharmacists has meticulously curated a selection of premium NRT products, guaranteeing efficacy. From patches to gums, lozenges, and inhalers & sprays, we're here to guide you through selecting the perfect NRT solution to match your quitting stage and preferences. Partner with us for genuine, expert-backed support in your quest to quit smoking for good.
Shop by Brand
Try Our Nicotine Gum - Kea Health
1) Nicorette Gum 2mg Classic 105 Piece
Description (Nicorette Gum 2mg Classic 105 Piece)
Nicorette Classic Gum stands as a beacon of hope for individuals aiming to quit smoking, offering a blend of convenience, efficiency, and enjoyment. This clinically endorsed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is crafted to alleviate cravings swiftly and mitigate withdrawal discomfort, paving the path to a smoke-free life with its 105-piece packs and appealing flavor choices.
What Sets Us Apart
- Portability for On-The-Go Support: Designed for the dynamic lifestyles of today, Nicorette gum provides immediate relief from cravings, wherever you are. Be it while navigating urban landscapes, managing professional responsibilities, or commuting, Nicorette is your ready ally.
- Pleasing Flavors: The journey to quitting is made more enjoyable with our flavors. Available in Icy Mint and Classic, pleasing your taste buds without the need for swallowing.
- Eco-Conscious Choice: Highly favored among quitters, our gum is produced in a carbon-neutral facility in Helsingborg, Sweden, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship alongside public health.
- Tailored Strengths for Individual Needs: Opt for the 2mg gum if your daily cigarette intake is below 20, or choose the 4mg option for heavier smoking habits or if the 2mg variant doesn't meet your needs. Our team is here to assist if you have any queries on the right strength for you.
How It Works
Nicorette gum uniquely addresses both the physical and psychological dimensions of nicotine addiction. It delivers a controlled dose of nicotine via chewing, reducing withdrawal symptoms and easing the desire to smoke over time, leading to not only successful quitting stories but also brighter smiles among our users.
Usage Instructions
- Start by slowly chewing the gum until you notice a robust flavor or a tingling sensation.
- Next, park the gum between your cheek and gum to continue absorbing nicotine.
- Wait for the taste to diminish or the tingling to stop before resuming chewing. This cycle lasts about a minute each time and continues until there is no more flavor or tingling.
It's crucial to chew calmly and avoid the simultaneous use of multiple pieces. Begin with using the gum as necessary to combat cravings, without exceeding recommended dosages. Over two to three months, gradually reduce usage to completely quit smoking by the six-month milestone.
Ingredients Insight
Interested in what makes up our product? Delve into our comprehensive ingredient list for a closer look.
Join countless individuals in their journey to a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle with Nicorette Uncoated Classic Gum – your trusted companion in overcoming addiction.
Try Our Nicotine Lozenge - Kea Health
1) Nicorette Cool Drops 2mg 80 Piece
Description (Nicorette Cool Drops 2mg 80 Piece)
Discover the effective way to manage your cravings and withdrawal symptoms discreetly with Nicorette Cool Drops Lozenges. These sugar-free lozenges are your perfect pocket companion, ready to assist whenever the urge to smoke kicks in.
Offering convenience and portability, each pack contains 20 sugar-free, flavor-packed lozenges, available in a set of four packs. Easily carry them with you to tackle cravings anytime, anywhere.
Highlights:
- Sugar-Free Enjoyment: Savory icy-mint flavor lasts longer, thanks to dual-layer technology, minus the sugar concerns.
- Discreet Craving Management: Portable and easy to use wherever you find yourself.
- Simple Application: Just dissolve in your mouth to combat cravings.
- Clinically Proven: Aids in increasing the likelihood of quitting successfully.
- Customized Strength: Available in 2mg for those who smoke less than 20 cigarettes a day and 4mg for heavier smokers. Assistance is available for those uncertain about which option to choose.
How Nicorette Cool Drops Work
Nicorette Cool Drops are designed for convenience and begin to relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms quickly by releasing a controlled amount of nicotine as they dissolve, typically within 20 minutes. This nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) suits smokers aiming to reduce or quit smoking immediately.
Usage Instructions
- Insert a lozenge in your mouth upon feeling the urge to smoke, or every 1-2 hours, not exceeding 15 lozenges daily.
- Allow it to slowly dissolve by moving it occasionally from one side of the mouth to the other, which should take about 20 minutes.
- Avoid chewing or swallowing the lozenge.
- Beverage Tip: For optimal nicotine absorption, steer clear of acidic drinks like sodas and coffee for 5 minutes before and after consuming a Nicorette lozenge.
Ingredients Insight
Interested in what's inside? Check the comprehensive ingredient list here to know more.
Try Our Nicotine Patches - Kea Health
1) Habitrol Patch Step 2 14mg 10 pack
Description (Habitrol Patch Step 2 14mg 10 pack)
Habitrol Patch stands as a preferred Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) among our dedicated community aiming to quit smoking. Its effectiveness in managing nicotine cravings and mitigating withdrawal symptoms has gained the trust of countless users. The simplicity of use, coupled with its non-prescription status, makes Habitrol Patch a convenient and reliable tool in your smoke-free journey.
The program designed by Habitrol Patch is segmented into three progressive phases aimed at gradually lessening nicotine dependence in a systematic approach.
Prominent Features
- Easy Daily Application: The once-a-day application of the Habitrol Patch is a feature our users highly praise for its convenience. Designed to last 24 hours, it fits seamlessly into daily routines.
- Evidence-Based Efficiency: Scientific studies support the efficacy of the Habitrol Patch in alleviating withdrawal symptoms by supplying a steady dosage of nicotine.
- Under-the-Radar Use: Formulated for inconspicuous use, the patches can be worn discreetly under clothes, supporting users confidentially in their quit-smoking efforts.
- Straightforward Accessibility: Without the need for a prescription, obtaining Habitrol Patch is straightforward, paving a clear path towards quitting smoking.
Each box contains 28 patches, providing a four-week supply to assist you in your mission to quit smoking.
Functionality
By releasing nicotine through the skin, Habitrol Patch maintains a stable nicotine level in the bloodstream. This consistency helps curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms, supporting users to gradually wean off nicotine as they journey towards quitting smoking.
Application Guide
Utilizing the patches is straightforward:
- The program extends over 9 to 12 weeks.
- Individuals smoking more than 10 cigarettes a day should commence with the 21mg Step 1 patch, applied daily for four weeks. Following this, move to the 14mg Step 2 patch for two weeks, and conclude with the 7mg Step 3 patch for the final two weeks.
- For those smoking less than 10 cigarettes a day, start with the 15mg Step 2 patch, using it daily for two weeks before transitioning to the 7mg Step 3 patch for the final two weeks. This gradual reduction aids in comfortably reaching a smoke-free state.
Ingredients Insight
For those interested in the specifics, a complete ingredient list is available for review.
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