Tobacco control

Abstract

Tobacco kills up to half of those who use it.^1,2 Despite this, tobacco use is common throughout the world. Currently, over seven million South Africans smoke, and globally there are about 1.3 billion smokers.^3,4 We need to initiate conversations with our patients about the health risks associated with tobacco use, and to motivate them to quit. We can provide advice regarding nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to manage the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, and thereby increase the likelihood of successfully quitting.