This December, as families and friends reflect on upcoming New Year’s resolutions, pulmonologist Dr. Anurag Sahai reminds residents that it is never too late to quit smoking.

Nicotine is an addictive chemical found in cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and hookahs. E-cigarettes remain the most used tobacco product among youth. In 2024, 1 out of every 29 middle school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With more young people trying tobacco products, the risk of addiction into adulthood continues to rise, especially since nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke daily first tried smoking by age 18.

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that people with late-stage cancer who quit smoking lived nearly a full year longer than those who continued smoking. Continuing smokers faced almost double the risk of dying within two years, compared to those who quit—a powerful reminder that whether someone has smoked for decades or is facing a serious diagnosis, the body can begin to heal as soon as smoking stops.

“Quitting smoking has a far greater impact than many people think,” explained Dr. Sahai, a member of the medical staff at Barstow Community Hospital. “Even after a serious diagnosis, quitting can improve survival, reduce complications, and improve the treatment process.”

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease in the United States, contributing to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and stroke.

“The body begins to heal itself as soon as someone quits,” said Dr. Sahai. “Some patients are surprised to learn that smoking cessation can improve outcomes quickly, making it a significant step toward improving both length and quality of life.”

According to the American Lung Association, health benefits begin as soon as 20 minutes after quitting, when the heart rate drops to normal levels. Within 24 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease, and the risk of heart attack begins to decline. After two to three months, lung function starts to improve.

Tips to Help You Quit
The American Lung Association outlines several strategies to stay focused during the quitting process:

1. Identify your motivation. Whether it’s improving breathing, lowering health risks, or doing it for family, remind yourself why you started.
2. Build confidence. Visualize success and better health.
3. Manage stress in healthy ways. Replace smoking breaks with walking, stretching, or calling a friend.
4. Save money. Dropping a costly habit is good for your wallet and your health.
5. Don’t quit alone. Share with your friends and family or connect with support.
6. Consider medications. FDA-approved nicotine replacement options—patches, gum, lozenges, or nasal spray—can help with cravings and withdrawal. Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.
7. Keep trying. Relapses can happen, but every attempt brings you closer to quitting for good.

To find a local pulmonologist, visit https://providers.barstowhospital.com/.