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What about oesophagitis?
Where can I get advice about giving up smoking?
The National Smokers’ Quitline top tips for giving up smoking Smoking can make most digestive disorders worse. Smoking stimulates your stomach to produce more acid and can aggravate:
Peptic ulcers
Heartburn
Non-ulcer dyspepsia.
What about oesophagitis?
The sphincter is a one-way valve at the lower end of the oesophagus that allows food and liquid to pass into the stomach and not come back into the gullet.
If the sphincter becomes weak or defective, the acid juices in the stomach may be pushed back up into the oesophagus causing a burning sensation (heartburn). This condition is called gastro-oesophageal reflux or reflux disease.
If you smoke it is thought that these acid juices are more likely to inflame the lining of your gullet causing oesophagitis.
Where can I get advice about giving up smoking?
Your GP is the best person to give you practical advice on how to give up smoking. They can advise you about commercial products that claim to control cravings, like nicotine patches and gum, and help you with strategies for staying away from cigarettes for good.
And if you want to tackle smoking cold turkey, these tips may help.
The National Smokers’ Quitline top tips for giving up smoking
Prepare to stop – weigh up the pros and cons and write down your reasons for stopping and keep them close at hand.
Make a date to stop – and stick to it.
Get support – ask your family and friends for support.
Change your routine and plan ahead – replace or change activities that you usually associate with smoking.
Be active regularly – it’s good for your health and helps you to manage stress.
Think positively – you may have temporary withdrawal symptoms once you stop smoking. These are positive signs that your body is recovering from the harmful effects of smoking and will disappear once your body gets used to the change.
Watch what you eat – If you are worried about weight gain, be extra careful with your eating habits.
Take one day at a time – remember, every day without smoking is good news for your health, your family and your pocket. If you slip-up, all is not lost. Set a new date and start again.
You can get more advice or support on the National Smokers’ Quitline at CallSave 1850 201 203 or at their website www.healthpromotion.ie
They can give you local, personal support by putting you in touch with the Smoking Cessation Officer in your area.
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