Nicotine Replacement Therapies: Inhalator

Published at 19 October, 2018.

When a person stops smoking, it’s likely that they’ll experience a range of symptoms due to the nicotine withdrawal. This can cause problems ranging from restlessness and mood swings, to trouble with concentration and insomnia. To put it simply, quitting smoking can be a nightmare. But it doesn’t have to be!

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) are a range of treatments offered to help curb cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms and aid quitting. Nicotine inhalers are one such form of NRT. We tell you all.

Why do I need a nicotine inhaler?

A common issue that many ex-smokers face is the problem of restless hands. After years of smoking, many quitters feel uneasy not holding anything in their hands or up to their lips. So, while the physical cigarette might be gone, the need to chew, smoke or bite can remain. This makes nicotine inhalators extremely popular with those looking to quit as they mimic the very action of smoking.

How do I use it?

Made of a plastic mouthpiece and a plastic tube, users purchase nicotine cartridges containing 15mg of nicotine that slot into the external casing. Much like a standard cigarette, users inhale using their mouth, releasing nicotine vapour. This vapour is then absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat and released gradually into the body to curb cravings.

How long will my nicotine inhaler last for?

A popular choice, inhalers last significantly longer than the standard patch or gum, which is single use only. A standard cartridge contains around 400 puffs of nicotine vapour and the most successful quitters use an average of 6 cartridges a day.

What is the difference between the nicotine inhaler and e-cigarettes?

Where e-cigarettes are seen to be used to help people stop smoking, they are, in fact, still a tobacco product and are seen as a smoking alternative rather than a cessation product, while nicotine inhalators are classed as a stop smoking aid. Similarly, the long-term effects of e-cigarettes have not been properly studied, and so there’s little way to know how lasting the benefits or disadvantages may be, and studies have shown that certain e-cigarettes may contain toxic ingredients. This makes a nicotine inhaler the best choice for those seriously looking to quit.

 

Yorkshire Smokefree provides expert NHS advice and support for anyone looking to quit smoking. With a range of clinics across Yorkshire, our experts can help you to find the best way to quit. To find out more, give us a call today on 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166 (free from most mobiles).