Submit your question for Dr. Mary Mason

Dr. Mary Mason wants to hear from you. She answers your health questions every Wednesday on News 4 at Noon. This week, she's answering questions on quitting smoking.

How hard is it to quit smoking?

Everyone is a little different, but for most people, quitting smoking is not easy, and can be uncomfortable - but you have to focus on the benefits - decreased risk of heart disease, cancer and respiratory problems. Symptoms of withdrawal often peak in the first 3 days, then gradually go away over the next month. Common symptoms include difficulty sleeping, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Often weight gain is a fear, and it is not uncommon to put on 2-5 pounds in the first few weeks after quitting smoking, but exercise and a reasonable diet can help control the extra pounds.

What is the best way to quit?

The first step is to pick a quit date-usually within 2 weeks of your planned date - and tell your friends and family. Ask for their support - especially if they are smokers, you don't want them smoking around you. Cold turkey is usually the most successful, but some people are able to wean themselves gradually off cigarettes and quit completely. Most smokers try several times to quit before they are successful. The key is not to get discouraged, accept your set backs and learn from failed attempts.

How do you deal with cravings for cigarettes?

Cravings for cigarettes can happen for months, and can be triggered by stress, or events associated with smoking or alcohol. They will go away if ignored, but are a common reason to relapse and start smoking. This is why it is so important to plan 'smoke-free' events, especially in the first couple months. 

What is the role of medications?

Chantix is a prescription medication that may be more effective than nicotine replacement or another prescription medication called Wellbutrin. Chantix may come with some serious side effects - the FDA warned providers that some patients experience suicidal or aggressive behavior while on the medication - unclear if this was all due to medication, so more studies are needed. Nicotine replacement is available over the counter, but can cause sleeplessness, heart palpitations and anxiety. Some patients choose behavioral approaches over medications - support groups can be helpful that work on problem solving. For other hypnosis or acupuncture can play a role.

About Dr. Mary Mason:

Dr. Mason is board certified in Internal Medicine and is the Assistant Clinical Professor at Washington University School of Medicine. She went to medical school at Washington University, and did her Internal Medicine Residency and
was Chief Resident for Internal Medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.  Dr. Mason teaches in the internal medicine residency clinic.