Newbies,
Here’s a list of the most common withdrawal symptoms. Get familiar with this list and come up with ways to cope:
Mouth sores or blisters
A small number of smoker's experience mouth irritations when they cut down or quit smoking. The cause is related to chemical adjustments that are taking place in your mouth. For years your mouth has had to withstand repeated assaults with hot cigarette smoke. Your tissues are adjusting and healing.
Chewers need to pay special attention to mouth sores and blisters. One study estimates that more than 50% of regular smokeless tobacco users have at least a degree 1 early-stage leukoplakia (an abnormal condition in which thickened white patches of epithelium occur on the mucous membranes ) lesion. Another study of dental patients revealed that 78% of smokeless tobacco users had detectable oral lesions.
How long will this last? First few weeks after quitting.
Tips to help: Use topical treatment for mouth sores. If you experience sores for longer than a few weeks, consult your doctor. If you have a sever sore, consult your doctor or dentist immediately.
Weight Gain
Not everyone gains weight after quitting. Some people do, but usually only five or six pounds. Two things seem to cause this weight gain. First, your body metabolism slows down when you quit, so you don't need as much food as when you were smoking or chewing. Second, you may use food to replace tobacco consumption and end up eating a bit more than before.
How long will this last? The first two weeks to two months after quitting.
Tips to help: Eat healthy, tasty, well-balanced meals as much as possible. Avoid fad diets. Since food may taste better after you quit, you may want bigger helpings. Try to eat the same amount as usual. Eat fresh, healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables or low-fat crackers instead of fast food, donuts, candy, or potato chips.
Members,
Please share your tips for these withdrawal symptoms.
Thanks,
Tiana- Health Educator
