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Expected complications after cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a very common outpatient procedure that is normally rather safe. However, like with any surgical procedure, problems are possible.

The human body is composed of several proteins that make up the tissues, muscles, and even the blood. Particular proteins may accumulate in certain regions over time or in response to certain types of injury.

When cataracts grow in the eye, proteins in the lens deteriorate and clump together, resulting in cloudiness that may impair or obstruct vision.

The surgery involves removing the lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. When cataracts start interfering with daily activities, your physician may recommend cataract surgery sydney.

The following complications may occur edema; pain; infection; and severe reactions to anesthetic medications.

Problems Any surgical procedure has the potential to cause complications. Your surgeon will be aware of a number of specific complications connected with cataract eye surgery. For any professional assistance about cataract eye surgery on personaleyes.com.au

1. Disappointment

Pain is a typical side effect of the majority of surgical procedures. Due to the fact that cataract surgery largely affects the eye’s surface layers, over-the-counter analgesics are often adequate. If the soreness continues or worsens, see your physician. This might signal the existence of a more serious problem.

2. Asphyxiation

Suprachoroidal bleeding may occur after cataract surgery in people who have diabetes, hypertension, or other co-morbid conditions. Although this is a rare occurrence, it needs immediate intervention to avoid sight loss.

3. Infection

Most procedures include some risk of infection, whether it is caused by surgical tools, the surgeon’s expertise, or postoperative wound care.

Endophthalmitis is an infection that may develop as a result of cataract surgery. It is, nevertheless, a very infrequent complication, occurring in fewer than 0.5 percent of cataract surgeries.

4. Persistent visual deficits or new vision problems

Cataract surgery is not always successful, and you may continue to have visual problems or have them worsen after cataract surgery. This is a rare complication, although it is more likely in people who had other eye diseases previous to surgery in addition to cataracts.

Double vision, which is often transitory, may also occur when your brain adapts to a new, sharper picture after eye surgery.

5. Floaters

Floaters are nanoparticles of protein or collagen that may penetrate your range of vision and cast shadows. While floating is normally not a cause for concern, it may sometimes be a sign of a more severe condition.

Expected complications after cataract surgery

6. Dry or itchy eyes

Throughout the healing process, dryness and discomfort are common. There is a possibility of itchy, gritty, or dry eyes. To relieve this problem, your doctor may prescribe lubricating eye drops. Consult your physician about the proper time to begin using eye drops after cataract surgery.

7. Allergic reactions

General anesthesia is used seldom during cataract surgery and is often reserved for pediatric patients. To numb the eye, either topical anesthetic eye drops or local anesthetic injections may be used.

If you are allergic to any drugs, see your physician prior to the cataract surgery.

8. Angry

While not a true complication, but a predictable occurrence, “cell and flare” refers to inflammation caused by slight eye injury after cataract surgery.

When your surgeon makes contact with your eye, a small number of white blood cells or protein may build in the front chamber, impairing vision or increased sensitivity to light. This is a temporary condition that may be managed with topical steroids.

9. Corneal edema

Again, this is a common side effect of surgery, but one that may warrant concern. Corneal swelling can occur anywhere following cataract surgery but is more common near the incision site. In this circumstance, topical steroids may be administered to relieve edema.

10. Increased pressure

Up to half of the individuals undergoing cataract surgery may have an increase in ocular pressure after the procedure, however, this often diminishes within 24 hours.

Persistent issues with increased or decreased eye pressure after surgery may be associated with other eye illnesses, such as glaucoma.

11. Iris prolapse

In a few rare cases, cataract surgery may cause iris trauma, resulting in a prolapsed iris. This is sometimes linked with insufficient wound closure or healing at incision sites, or with persistent elevations in intraocular pressure.

Occasionally, the iris may be shifted, but in more severe cases, more surgery will be required.

12. Bleeding from open wounds

Another unusual complication is wound leaks, which occur when fluid escapes around the incision sites. Fluorescein dye is used to identify these leaks, which are often treated with steroids.

In certain cases, your doctor may bandage the contact lens or perform corrective surgery to fix the condition.

13. Toxic anterior segment syndrome

In the days after cataract surgery, severe swelling and pain may be suggestive of this syndrome. Toxic anterior segment syndrome is a very rare complication of infection induced by surgical equipment or eye drops.

This condition, which is often confused with endophthalmitis, is treated with strong doses of steroids and painkillers.

14. Early stages of acute endophthalmitis

This is another kind of infection that may develop three to seven days after surgery and is characterized by swelling and pain. Steroids have been shown to be ineffective in treating this kind of eye infection. Antibiotics are often prescribed or the patient is sent to a specialist.

15. Retained lens pieces

Following cataract surgery, some portions of your natural lens may remain. These symptoms may appear days or even years later and include the following: 

  • Blurred vision 
  • Sensitivity to light 
  • Tearing 
  • Flushing

If it is determined that lens fragments are the cause of the disease, they should be surgically removed – preferably by the physician who performed the initial therapy.

16. Impairment of the posterior capsular layer’s opacity

This is a rather frequent late complication following cataract surgery that occurs in between 14 and 60% of cases. This condition, which is more frequent in people with diabetes undergo or who have previously had a cataract surgery, results in the formation of minute particles lodged in the layer behind the lens.

When these particles come together, they form little clear bubbles called Elschnig’s pearls. This problem may be treated with a procedure known as laser posterior capsulotomy.

17. Cystoid macular edema

This is the most common complication of cataract surgery and may develop up to eight weeks after the operation. It occurs in around 1% to 2% of all cataract procedures.

Swelling occurs as a result of fluid collection in the eye, which may impair vision. Typically, this condition, which may last up to two months, is treated with topical steroids and nonsteroidal medicines.

Can individuals with diabetes undergo cataract surgery?

Can individuals with diabetes undergo cataract surgery?

Diabetes is becoming a more prevalent systemic illness, and many patients undergoing cataract surgery also have diabetic eye disease, complicating the treatment. While we may still achieve excellent results with cataract surgery in these patients, they are at a greater risk of complications and subsequent visual limitations as a consequence of the treatment. Diabetic patients may have excellent vision after cataract surgery if rigorous preoperative planning, painstaking attention to detail during phacoemulsification, and diligent postoperative maintenance are followed.

Preoperative evaluation is critical.

Our diabetic cataract patients receive the same preoperative evaluation as our other cataract surgery patients, with a focus on the presence and severity of diabetic eye disease. Diabetics are more likely than other individuals to get cataracts earlier in life, and they may also be more prone to developing posterior subcapsular cataracts. A critical point to keep in mind is that the amount of cataract surgery seen should correspond to the patients’ visual acuity and reported visual impairment. If the patient reports significant vision problems but the examination shows just mild cataracts, the retina should be extensively inspected for any possible reasons for vision loss.

The presence of harmful neovascularization is a critical difference between background diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Although nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy is more prevalent than proliferative diabetic retinopathy, both may develop. The formation of these new blood vessels is associated with a range of problems, including vitreous hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, and neovascular glaucoma. Diabetics at any stage of retinopathy are at risk of developing macular edema, one of the most prevalent causes of central vision loss in diabetic patients. While a thorough dilated fundus examination may identify many of these disorders, other procedures such as optical coherence tomography or fluorescein angiography can detect more subtle abnormalities.

Can individuals with diabetes undergo cataract surgery?

Before contemplating cataract surgery as a therapeutic option for diabetic ocular illness, it is necessary to finish the therapy of diabetic ocular disease. This requires a multi-pronged approach, with argon laser panretinal photocoagulation as the major therapeutic modality for proliferative retinopathy and targeted macular laser therapy as the primary modality for clinically significant macular edema. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents and steroids are widely utilized as a supplement to ocular therapy. The objective should be to achieve tight control of systemic blood glucose, as shown by the hemoglobin A1c level. Learn more about diabetic ocular illness.

Additionally, poorly controlled diabetes may have a detrimental effect on the anterior segment of the eye, resulting in neovascularization of the iris and angle, which commonly culminates in neovascular glaucoma. It is critical to prioritize aggressive neovascular glaucoma treatment above cataract surgery, since a prolonged increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) may result in irreparable optic nerve damage and substantial vision loss. Collaborating with a retinal colleague while dealing with these challenging individuals is generally the most effective technique.

Technique and postoperative care

Can individuals with diabetes undergo cataract surgery?

Once diabetic retinopathy has cleared and the macula has become dry, cataract surgery may be scheduled, with a preference for monofocal lens implants, toric IOLs, or sometimes accommodating IOLs. Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) should be avoided in eyes with a history of macular lesions or those at an increased risk of developing the macular disease. According to the authors, acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are preferred in patients who are predicted to need a vitrectomy in the future for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, but silicone IOLs may be a reasonable alternative in patients with well-controlled diabetes and mild retinopathy.

Cataract surgery may be made less traumatic by minimizing the amount of phaco energy utilized, moving less fluid through the eye, and avoiding contact with the iris. It is vital to use an effective surgical technique while performing cataract surgery on diabetic patients to provide the best potential outcome. For these complex individuals, it is better to have their cataract surgery done by an experienced surgeon rather than a beginner surgeon. Diabetes-related decreased pupillary dilation is prevalent in diabetic eyes, especially when active rubeosis or even retracted neovascularization is present. Pupil stretching should be avoided due to the risk of rupture of these vessels, resulting in intraocular bleeding. In certain circumstances, intravitreal injections of triamcinolone or anti-VEGF medicines may be performed during cataract surgery. In diabetics with non-clearing vitreous hemorrhages or tractional retinal detachments, a pars plana vitrectomy may be combined with cataract surgery. This is done together with a vitreoretinal colleague.

Cataract surgery may result in the development and worsening of diabetic retinopathy in eyes with severe diabetic retinopathy, impairing vision. Cataract surgery has a reduced chance of inducing this development of retinopathy in eyes with just moderate diabetes changes than in other eyes. As a consequence, doing cataract surgery earlier in life is generally beneficial for diabetic patients, as it is connected with fewer complications and a quicker return to clear vision after the treatment.

Postoperatively, topical steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are used to reduce inflammation and may have a role in the prevention and management of macular edema. Serial postoperative visits may be utilized to determine the macular thickness before to stopping the topical medications. Patients should make an attempt to keep their systemic blood glucose levels under control throughout the post-operative period to aid in the healing process. 

Diabetics may be predisposed to develop posterior capsular opacification and prolonged postoperative inflammation. Patients’ diabetic retinopathy may deteriorate in the postoperative period, even after an expertly performed cataract surgery; consequently, patients should be closely monitored with serial dilated funduscopic examinations and referred to retinal colleagues as needed.

Diabetic patients with visually significant cataracts provide unique surgical challenges, and diabetic patients with visually significant cataracts may be more susceptible to postoperative complications. The good news is that with careful pre-treatment of diabetic retinopathy, less invasive surgical methods, and appropriate post-operative medications, these patients may do very well and regain excellent vision, just as our other cataract patients do. You can also get more information about cataract surgery on http://smokefreebristol.com/here-is-what-cataract-surgery-is/

Final thoughts

As we mentioned at the beginning, diabetic patients may have excellent vision after cataract surgery if rigorous preoperative planning, painstaking attention to detail during phacoemulsification, and diligent postoperative maintenance are followed.

Consider these insightful advices on COVID and rapid antigen tests

COVID-19 testing will begin shortly in the Myrtle Beach region of South Carolina, with three sites employing the PCR swab rapid antigen tests, the same test utilized in Alabama, where your health is giving 26,600 PCR rapid antigen tests in 33 locations over 41 testing days. your health provides easy consumer engagement technologies to analyze, plan, and deliver outcomes in all deployments.

Your health has access to all COVID-19 diagnostic rapid antigen tests and can tailor a program to the specific requirements of each community. In this regard, your health will be giving us some expert tips as regards COVID and rapid antigen tests.

1.) Take testing seriously

2) Take an active role in rapid antigen tests.

Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown School of Public Health, has recommended that communities begin broad screening of the highest-risk individuals… before they exhibit signs of COVID-19.

“It is a paradigm change,” Jha told National Public Radio. “I believe that increased rapid antigen tests capability enables us to play offense – to search for illness before it spreads and to detect asymptomatic individuals before they disseminate it to others. It really becomes a matter of avoiding epidemics — not just containing them once they emerge.”

That is the objective at the University of Mississippi, where rapid antigen tests started in early September for asymptomatic students, teachers, and staff.

The university’s Sentinel Rapid antigen tests Program, in collaboration with TourHealth, aims to improve university authorities’ knowledge of the virus’s existence among asymptomatic carriers and how it spreads on campus. read more about the reliability of these Covid test kits at http://smokefreebristol.com/how-accurate-are-rapid-antigen-tests/

COVID Symptoms

Each week, a random sample of students, instructors, and staff is invited to have a free asymptomatic coronavirus test. The findings are often available within hours through the Gov2Go app and assist authorities in adjusting measures while identifying asymptomatic carriers who may have disseminated the infection elsewhere on campus.

3) Test findings serve merely as a marker for a certain point in time. Make provision for frequent rapid antigen tests.

When gathering big groups on a regular basis, it is critical to establish a COVID-19 rapid antigen tests cadence. The results are solely indicative of the time period in which the test was conducted. As seen lately in numerous outbreaks, a negative test does not ensure that an individual will not catch COVID-19, thus it is critical that everyone continues to follow the CDC’s recommended standards for hand washing, sanitizing, and wearing masks.

The rapid antigen tests cadence is a critical choice that leaders must make depending on the local risk of community spread and the demography of the region. While weekly or biweekly rapid antigen tests may be sufficient for persons living in low-risk locations and capable of maintaining social distance, more regular COVID-19 rapid antigen tests may be necessary for places with higher-risk circumstances.

Simultaneously, the order in which a test is delivered does matter when it comes to COVID-19. Without any known exposure to the virus, someone might test negative one day and positive the next.

To assist assure the accuracy of findings, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 require testing laboratories to be accredited (CLIA).

However, Dr. Gerson noted that no laboratory test is flawless. False negatives and false positives are not always indicative of a mistake. Bayesian statistics has an effect on how a laboratory test will work. Repeating rapid antigen tests on a regular basis helps solve the issue of erroneous findings.

Clinical Supplies offers onsite COVID-19 rapid antigen tests that may be modified to meet the specific requirements of a community. Testing facilities may be established for short-term, one-time events or for long-term, recurrent testing at universities, government agencies, and enterprises.

Through the end of November, the University of Mississippi will provide testing two days a week. We are now into our second month of testing five to seven days a week in Florida, testing over 90,000 individuals.

4) Logistical arrangements will be complicated. Attend to your population’s needs.

Reopening requires forethought. Consider the population you serve. Is it a tourist hotspot or a place with a youthful population? After that, antigen COVID-19 testing centers that use an app to identify locations, make appointments, and distribute results may be the best choice. For instance, South Florida is a popular tourist destination with a large number of people on the go. Each day, TourHealth tests hundreds of individuals around the nation using Gov2Go technology.

Parts of South Florida also have a growing older population, which needs speedy rapid antigen tests results, but communicating with this audience through an app or internet technology is not always the ideal option. Additionally, Clinical Supplies ensured that written instructions and a support phone line with live English and Spanish-speaking agents were available at all rapid antigen tests locations for individuals seeking a more personalized testing experience.

Communities must be adaptable, using both technology and more conventional customer service methods, in order to connect and interact with diverse people.

5) The importance of documentation and reporting cannot be overstated.

Another procedural concern is properly recording and reporting COVID-19 rapid antigen tests findings to community members and government health agencies.

Many persons are required to produce verification of negative COVID-19 rapid antigen tests before returning to work or school, making it critical that rapid antigen tests suppliers can swiftly offer written confirmation of rapid antigen tests findings through email or another user-friendly format. Clinical Supplies sends findings through email and using the secure Gov2Go portal.

Typically, all testing activities must be regulated by several supervision authorities to guarantee that verified reports are given to the proper regulatory bodies. To guarantee compliance and quality assurance, TourHealth simplifies reporting by combining findings with government reporting standards.

What Comes Next?

While testing for COVID-19 is the primary focus at the moment, communities must also prepare for flu season. Individuals may need testing for both COVID-19 and influenza. Fortunately, there is rapid antigen tests that can identify COVID-19, influenza A/B, and respiratory syncytial virus concurrently (RSV). The single-panel rapid antigen tests, which can identify many kinds of infections, may assist physicians in diagnosing patients and making treatment choices.

In conclusion

Leaders face enormous pressure to reopen safely. With so many variables to consider, it is critical to work with a reputable testing partner.

Clinical Supplies is a COVID-19 testing solution developed by NIC, Inc., Impact Health, and Next Marketing in collaboration with NIC, Inc., Impact Health, and Next Marketing. It brings together industry professionals in digital solutions, health care, and logistics, using their combined 80 years of expertise.

How Accurate Are Rapid Antigen Tests?

The FDA has given “emergency use authorization” to each of the rapid antigen tests below, however, these rapid antigen tests are not 100 percent accurate. According to the FDA, the majority of at-home rapid antigen tests have a sensitivity of around 85 percent (varies per test). There is a possibility that you may get a false positive or negative result. Almost every rapid antigen tests kit includes two rapid antigen tests for further rapid antigen tests, allowing you to double-check your findings. You can get these reliable rapid antigen tests kits in Australia from https://clinicalsupplies.com.au/collections/rapid-antigen-tests

If your test results are negative: Are you experiencing symptoms consistent with Covid-19 but have received a negative test result? Conduct another test in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (usually within two to three days). The same is true if you test negative and are not feeling any symptoms—especially if you attended a large event. According to the CDC, it is conceivable that the sample was taken too early in the illness and resulted in a positive result after a few days. If it remains negative, it is conceivable that any symptoms you are experiencing are unrelated to Covid.

If you test positive, repeat the test to ensure the result is accurate. If both rapid antigen tests are positive, you should confine yourself for ten days and avoid contact with others. Additionally, you should inform your primary care physician and any friends or family members who may have been exposed. Individuals suffering severe symptoms should seek medical assistance immediately. Numerous these examinations are conducted on an honor system basis—mask up and remain at home.

There is a possibility that your test result will be invalid. This indicates that the test failed. If this occurs during your first test, you may repeat it with the second one in the box (however you will need to purchase another pack).

covid prevention
COVID-19 has many symptoms.

Stock and Insurance Coverage Volatility

Nowadays, obtaining a fast at-home Covid test is not as straightforward as stepping into a pharmacy or clicking Add to Cart. Because inventory is always changing, you’ll need to check online or at real retail locations on a frequent basis. We recommend contacting your neighborhood drugstores and pharmacies to confirm availability. Click here to learn some additional information about rapid antigen tests.

To meet rising demand, shops are limiting the number of rapid antigen tests available to each client. Walgreens will restrict consumers to four rapid antigen tests per transaction, both in-store and online; Walmart will limit customers to eight rapid antigen tests per buy when making an online purchase (there is no limit in-store). At CVS, you may buy a maximum of six rapid antigen tests at a time.

Costs associated with at-home kits might easily mount up. The Biden administration recently announced intentions to distribute 500 million free Covid rapid at-home test kits throughout the United States, however, this initiative will not begin until January. Your only choice is to pay for over-the-counter fast kits out of pocket. At the moment, insurance will pay kits only if they are obtained via your medical practitioner and are based on your symptoms. However, we encourage that you save receipts in case your private health insurance provider reimburses you. 

Do you have a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA)?

You may utilize it to get speedy at-home covid test kits.

Rapid At-Home Covid-19 Examinations

After swabbing your nose and placing the sample onto the supplied test card, Abbot’s BinaxNow rapid antigen tests kit offers results within 15 minutes. You may then self-report your findings using Navica, the companion app. Those who test negative will be provided with a temporary encrypted digital pass to use as official documentation of their test result. With two rapid antigen tests included in each package, the manufacturer suggests repeating one every three days—no sooner than 24 hours and no later than 48 hours. This exam has been utilized by a few members of the Gear team. We cannot vouch for its correctness, but we can attest to its ease of use.

All you have to do with the QuickVue at-home test is swab both nostrils, swirl it in the prefilled vial of solution, then dip in the test strip for ten minutes. If the result is affirmative, the strip will display both a blue and a pink line. If the value is negative, you will see simply a blue line. Additionally, this rapid antigen tests kit includes two distinct rapid antigen tests, allowing you to repeat the procedure within three days. I’ve utilized this exam and found it to be simple to give and comprehend.

On/at-home Go’s rapid antigen tests kit is accompanied by a companion app that guides you through the procedure. After creating an account, you’ll collect your sample using the test cassette, extraction vial, vial cap, and nose swab supplied in the package. After ten minutes, the app will offer you to submit a snapshot of your findings and will confirm whether you are positive, negative, or invalid (at which point you can try again).

The cheapest test on our list is FlowFlex. Unlike the majority of these rapid antigen tests kits, this one includes just one test. However, unlike other rapid antigen tests, the FDA is confident enough in this one that it does not recommend repeating the test after a few days—unless you see new symptoms developing. The procedure is comparable: Swab your nose with a cotton swab, immerse the swab in the solution, and squeeze a few droplets onto the test card. Your findings will display within 15 to 30 minutes. The business believes the test is likely to identify the Omicron variety but has not confirmed this yet. learn more about Omicron at https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-classification-of-omicron-(b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-variant-of-concern

The Covid-19 kit from iHealth includes a nasal swab, solution, and a test card. Add three drops of the solution to the test card after collecting your sample and soaking it in the solution. Your result will display on the card after 15 minutes, and you may then submit it to the companion app. If you test negative, you’ll get digital verification in the form of an iHealth Pass. The business states that it is “very sure” that their test will identify the Omicron variety, although it is currently performing studies.

Rather than reading lines on a test card, the BD Veritor provides digital data through a companion app. Following the collection of your sample and a 15-minute wait, you’ll need to scan your test card using the Scanwell Health app to determine if you’re positive or negative. You may then save encrypted copies of your findings to your phone from there.

Warning: This test requires the use of an app, therefore you should verify that your phone is compatible.

Quitting Smoking Tips

First of all, write down all the reasons you want to stop

For the sake of your family? To save money? Improve your health? The reasons will quickly add up. Keep this list somewhere handy as a reminder if you are tempted to have a cigarette.

Set a quit date

Pick a date that doesn’t clash with anything stressful .. and stick to it. 

Tell everyone that you are giving up smoking

Ask friends and family to be supportive and not to smoke around you. Wherever possible, try to get them to quit at the same time. A team effort may be easier than going it alone.

Throw away anything to do with smoking

All cigarettes, matches, ashtrays, lighters .. remove from your home, workplace, and car any temptation to smoke.

Keep a diary for the first few days

The hardest part of quitting is the first three or four days, as you go through the toughest nicotine withdrawal stages. Make notes of times and places when the cravings are hardest to deal with. Most smokers will have associated times and places when they always smoked, like after eating or with a drink in the pub. Try to avoid these situations at first .. or simply change your routine, for example, go for a short walk immediately after a meal. If you smoke when you are anxious, try taking a few slow deep breaths of fresh air to relax. Replace negative habits with positive ones!

Drink lots of water

As a general rule, you will always feel better overall by keeping yourself hydrated. Water also helps to flush residual nicotine out of the body and eases some of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Quitting Smoking Tips

Be prepared for withdrawal symptoms and smoker’s cough

When you first stop smoking, your body will react to the sudden absence of nicotine. Withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, lack of concentration, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, and increased appetite, tend to peak after 12-24 hours, and then gradually ease over 2-4 weeks. Most people will experience some of these symptoms but very rarely all of them.

Anticipate a cough. It is normal for a ‘smoker’s cough’ to get worse when you first stop smoking, as the airways ‘come back to life. Some people say this makes them feel worse for a while after stopping smoking, and they even consider smoking again. Resist this temptation! The cough will gradually ease and then will go away completely. 

Reward yourself regularly!

Smoking is an expensive habit .. and you’ll soon reap the financial benefits of quitting. Use the money you would have spent on cigarettes on treats .. a new outfit perhaps .. a night on the town .. or book an extra holiday. Go ahead and spoil yourself!

Don’t despair if you fail

Examine the reasons why you felt it was difficult to quit this time. It will make you stronger on your next attempt. Remember .. it’s not unusual to relapse. On average, people who eventually stop smoking have made three or four previous attempts.

NOPE =

NOT

ONE

PUFF

EVER

Once you’ve quit, do everything you can to stick with it. Remind yourself of the many benefits of being a non-smoker .. and hang in there! 

More to read: Why should I stop Smoking?

Why should I stop Smoking?

Health benefits

When your body is smoke-free it can start to repair the damage that has been done by years of smoking.

Going smoke-free is the biggest single thing you can do to improve your health.. and the best news is the health benefits are immediate!   Click here to learn quitting smoking success stories. Smoking is very dangerous for health, it has become more dangerous in this age of pandemic, you can learn more about the COVID-19 virus and its testing at http://smokefreebristol.com/consider-these-insightful-advices-on-covid-and-rapid-antigen-tests/

 Quitting timeline 

  • 20 minutes
    Your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.
  • 8 hours
    Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half and oxygen levels return to normal.
  • 24 hours
    Carbon monoxide eliminated from your body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
  • 48 hours
    Congratulations! Your body is now nicotine-free. And have you noticed how your sense of taste and smell have improved?
  • 72 hours
    Your breathing becomes easier, bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.
  • 2-12 weeks
    Circulation is now improved throughout your body. It’s easier for you to walk and exercise.
  • 3-9 months
    Lung efficiency is up by 5-10%. Breathing problems are fading away. Say goodbye to coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.
  • 5 years
    Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
  • 10 years
    Your chance of getting lung cancer is now half that of a smoker. Your chance of having a heart attack is now the same as someone who never smoked.

There are over 4,000 chemicals in cigarettes, and 51 of them are known to be carcinogenic. A carcinogen is something that causes cancer.  What cancers are caused by smoking? 

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms

Physical withdrawal from nicotine is temporary, but it can be uncomfortable while it lasts. Quitter’s flu is a term used to describe this phase of smoking cessation because nicotine withdrawal symptoms often mimic a cold or a mild case of the flu. Understanding what to expect when you quit smoking will help you move through this stage more easily. 

The following list contains commonly reported symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Most people experience some of these, but rarely all of them. Each person goes through this phase of recovery from nicotine addiction a little differently. But for most people, these discomforts are short-lived. 

  • Cravings to smoke
  • Irritable, cranky
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Constipation, gas, stomach pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Sore tongue and/or gums

 Check with your doctor if you’re concerned about a physical reaction you’re having to smoke cessation, or if nicotine withdrawal symptoms persist.

Where I can find support for Quitting Smoking

1:1 appointments

@Symes Centre, Peterson Avenue, Hartcliffe BS13 0BE: Tuesdays 11:00am-2:00pm

City Centre, Upper Maudlin Street, BRI, Room 3 Respiratory Department UHB: Wednesdays 1:00 pm-3:00 pm 

Southmead Hospital (Privacy & Dignity Room opposite main reception): Wednesdays 12:00 pm-2:00 pm

Shirehampton Health Centre, Pembroke Road, BS11 9SB: Thursdays 1:30 pm-4:30 pm

Knowle West Healthy Living Zone, Downton Road, BS4 1WH: Tuesdays 9:30 am-12:00 pm (0117 377 2255)

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Pregnancy support sesssions

Home visits in Knowle: Thursdays 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Home visits in Lawrence Weston, Avonmouth, Southmead, Henbury & Lockleaze: Tuesdays 11:00 am-5:00 pm 

Pregnancy clinic @ Shirehampton Health Centre, Pembroke Road BS11 9SB: Thursdays 1:30 pm-4:30 pm

learn more about quitting smoking at http://smokefreebristol.com/where-i-can-find-support-for-quitting-smoking/

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Where I can find support for Quitting Smoking

Community groups 

Closed groups (8 weekly sessions):

No closed groups at present

Rolling groups:

(ongoing weekly support sessions – join any time – on the first visit arrive 15 mins early for brief 1:1)

Mondays: Fishponds Primary Care Centre, Beechwood Road, BS16 3TD: 5:30pm-6:30pm:

Mondays: Horfield Leisure Centre, Dorian Road BS7 0XW: 5:30pm-6:30pm 

Wednesdays: Bedminster Library, Bedminster Parade BS3 4AQ: 5:30pm-6:30pm

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1:1 appointments with GP/dental practice practitioners

Call the GP/dental practice where you are registered and book an appointment with the stop smoking practitioner.

If there is a waiting list, call Smokefree Bristol at 0117 922 2255.

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1:1 appointments with pharmacy practitioners 

 Bristol NorthCall to book
Lloyds PharmacyWhiteladies Medical Centre, Whatley Road, Clifton0117 974 1348
Boots the Chemist66 Queens Road, Clifton0117 926 4083
Boots the ChemistClifton Down Shopping Centre0117 974 2896
Lloyds Pharmacy165 Crow Lane, Henbury0117 950 1848
Willow Tree Pharmacy1 Trevelyan Walk, Henbury0117 950 8975
Boots the Chemist55 Henleaze Road, Henleaze0117 962 4460
Co-op PharmacyHorfield Health Centre, Horfield0117 979 2569
Ashgrove Pharmacy97-99 Ashley Down Road, Horfield0117 924 8510
Lloyds Pharmacy62 Ridingleaze, Lawrence Weston0117 982 3507
Jhoots Pharmacy3 Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze0117 951 5197
Boots the Chemist39 High Street, Shirehampton0117 982 3543
Lloyds PharmacyShirehampton Health Centre0117 982 3134
Southmead Pharmacy5 Arnside Road, Southmead0117 950 7711
Lloyds Pharmacy6 Arnside Road, Southmead0117 950 8008
Lloyds PharmacyGreenway Centre, Doncaster Road, Southmead0117 950 8494
Stapleton Pharmacy5 Frome Valley Road, Stapleton0117 958 5895
Jhoots Pharmacy3 Druid Hill, Stoke Bishop0117 968 8530
Lloyds PharmacyWestbury Hill, Westbury-on-Trym0117 962 3415
Lloyds Pharmacy1-3 Carlton Court, Canford Lane, Westbury-on-Trym0117 950 7054
Lloyds Pharmacy2 Charlcombe Court, Stoke Lane, Westbury-on-Trym0117 962 8986
 Bristol Inner City & EastCall to book
Superdrug39-43 Broadmead0117 929 4375
Boots the Chemist59 Broadmead0117 929 3631
Boots the Chemist19-20 St Augustine’s Parade City Centre0117 927 6311
Lloyds PharmacyLawrence Hill Health Centre, Hassell Drive, Easton0117 955 7705
Bhogal Chemist79-81 St Mark’s Road, Easton0117 951 4398
Day & Night Chemist192 Stapleton Road, Easton0117 329 0672
Boots the ChemistUnit E, Eastgate Retail Park, Eastville0117 952 2413
Jhoots Pharmacy165 Fishponds Road, Eastville0117 951 0846
Tesco PharmacyInstore, Eastgate Centre, Eastville0117 951 1156
Co-op Pharmacy306 Lodge Causeway, Fishponds0117 965 8446
Lloyds Pharmacy782 Fishponds Road, Fishponds0117 965 2718
Old School PharmacyOld School Surgery, Manor Road, Fishponds0117 965 1114
Morrisons Pharmacy688-712 Fishponds Road, Fishponds0117 965 3014
Co-op Pharmacy143 St Michael’s Hill, Kingsdown0117 973 1473
Co-op Pharmacy22A Lodgeside Avenue, Kingswood0117 947 6766
Lloyds Pharmacy64 Bath Buildings, Montpelier0117 924 0222
Lloyds Pharmacy235-237 Church Road, Redfield0117 954 2228
Lloyds PharmacyAir Balloon Surgery, Kenn Road, St George0117 955 5549
Lloyds Pharmacy51 Clouds Hill Road, St George0117 955 8544
Stapleton Pharmacy5 Frome Valley Road, Stapleton0117 958 5895
Stokes Croft Pharmacy40 Stokes Croft, Stokes Croft0117 942 6941
 Bristol SouthCall to book
Sainsbury’s Pharmacy111 Winterstoke Road, Ashton Gate0117 953 7273
ASDA PharmacyEast Street, Bedminster0117 923 1563
Bedminster Pharmacy4-6 Canon Street, Bedminster0117 985 3388
Boots the Chemist94-96 East Street, Bedminster0117 963 1039
Lloyds Pharmacy172 St John’s Lane, Bedminster0117 966 1230
Lloyds PharmacyBedminster Family Practice, Regent Road, Bedminster0117 963 9468
Lloyds Pharmacy99 Bishopsworth Road, Bedminster Down0117 966 9402
Lloyds Pharmacy33 Sandy Park Road, Brislington0117 977 7235
Kathleen James3A-4A St Peter’s Rise, Bishopsworth0117 964 3496
Lloyds Pharmacy137 Church Road, Bishopsworth0117 964 7567
Boots the ChemistUnit 5, Symes Avenue, Hartcliffe0117 964 1232
Boots the ChemistThe Junction, Imperial Park, Hartcliffe0117 964 2197
Lloyds PharmacyWilliam Budd Health Centre, Knowle0117 966 3632
Silverman Chemist180A Wells Road, Knowle0117 977 6743
Lloyds PharmacyBroadwalk, 335 Wells Road, Knowle0117 971 7445
SuperdrugBroadwalk, 341 Wells Road, Knowle0117 971 4947
Jhoots Pharmacy5 Avon Village, St Anne’s0117 977 1987
Boots the ChemistAvonmeads Retail Park, St Philip’s0117 972 8056
Lloyds Pharmacy74-76 Hollway Road, Stockwood01275 833 682
Stockwood Pharmacy78 Hollway Road, Stockwood01275 835 322
Lloyds PharmacyWhitchurch Health Centre, Armada Road01275 839 865
Lloyds Pharmacy94 Queen’s Road, Withywood0117 964 3707

Quitting Smoking Success Stories

They’ve quit!

Most people who smoke wish they didn’t. Simple as that. We have supported some truly inspirational people through the Smokefree Bristol service.

They’ve done it .. so can you ! 

 ‘A dose of tough love worked wonders for me’

Click to read David’s story 

‘I’m enjoying a new lease of life’

Click to read Paul’s story 

‘I’m smokefree and hitting the high notes again!’

Click to read Harry’s story 

‘Money stays in my pocket for longer now!’

Click to read Phil’s story 

Wajid, smokefree after attending a group

‘Always attend the sessions, be patient with the product you use, have a positive attitude to giving up, and change your smoking habits one by one.’ You can find quitting smoking support at http://smokefreebristol.com/where-i-can-find-support-for-quitting-smoking/

Deirdre, smoked for 35 years

‘The best things about the group were the benefit of sharing your experiences of stopping smoking and the advice from the very experienced advisor.’

Philip, smoked for 40 years

‘Medication is excellent but the biggest benefit is the experience and support of others in the group using the same. The advisor was good at balancing discussions and giving advice.’

Danny, smoked for over 20 years

‘Using this service was a great help and quitting was so much easier with the support of the advisor and group members. I would highly recommend the service.’

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