Smoking is an unhealthy habit for everyone, particularly if you have allergies. Smoking worsens allergies and asthma symptoms and increases the allergic person's sensitivity to mold, pollen and dust mites, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Smokers with allergies should do whatever they can to quit smoking, not only to improve their allergy symptoms but also to improve their overall health.
Step 1
Mark a quit date on the calendar. Select a date far enough in advance to give you adequate time to prepare for the process, but not far enough in the future that it may give you time to make excuses or change your mind.
Step 2
Observe your smoking patterns. Determine the things that seem to trigger an urge to smoke, such as driving, eating or hanging out with certain people. Find a healthy alternative to smoking that you can turn to when you quit, such as drinking water, chewing gum or doing an enjoyable activity to take your mind off the cravings.
Step 3
Research the physical effects of quitting. Most smokers experience withdrawal effects when quitting smoking, including irritability, anxiety, restlessness, headaches, dizziness, constipation, gas, insomnia, sore throat, chest tightness or an increase in appetite, according to the American Cancer Society. Learn what measures to take to prepare for or to avoid these symptoms, such as using a nicotine replacement product or medication.
Step 4
Check the labels of over-the-counter smoking-cessation products. Using these products may increase the likelihood of success, but always check the label to make sure you are not allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients in the product before use.
Step 5
Talk to a doctor about medications that can help you quit. Although these medications aren't for everyone, ask your doctor for her advice on whether they would be useful for your situation. Remember to tell the doctor about your allergies when having this discussion.
Step 6
Tell your family, friends and coworkers about your plan to quit. Let them know ways they can help you during the quitting process. If you do decide to talk medication, ask them to monitor your behavior and report unusual changes to your doctor, as these medications may increase hostility, aggression, depression or thoughts of suicide for some individuals, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Step 7
Keep a cessation hotline number nearby. If you feel a strong urge to give up quitting, call the hotline to increase your chance to move past this urge. Participating in a support group or smoking cessation counseling program may also prove useful. Doing so can double your chances of quitting successfully, according to the American Cancer Society.
Step 8
Stop smoking. Instead of lamenting the fact that you will never have another cigarette, focus on the present and take things one day at a time. If you must think of the future, think of all the positive benefits you will reap from quitting successfully.
Tips and Warnings
- Remind yourself that you are not the only one who will benefit from quitting. Children and family members of those who smoke are more likely to develop medical conditions from secondhand smoke. If you lapse and have a cigarette, analyze what went wrong and learn from your mistake. The National Cancer Society states it takes the average smoker three or four attempts before they successfully quit. The important thing is not to give up on quitting completely.
- If you experience suicidal thoughts while taking smoking cessation medications, call 911, your doctor or a mental health professional immediately.
References
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: New England Chapter: Frequently Asked Questions
- American Cancer Society: Guide to Quitting Smoking
- National Cancer Institute: Quitting Smoking: Why to Quit and How to Get Help
- Food and Drug Administration: Varenicline and Bupropion Safety Information
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Tobacco Smoke
