Smoking Unit - Internal Medicine Dexeus Barcelona
Specialized program to quit smoking with professional accompaniment
Specialized center for smoking and nicotine addiction treatment in Barcelona. Personalized program for successful smoking cessation.
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Tobacco Unit: Quit the Habit with Professional Support
At the Dexeus Internal Medicine Tobacco Unit, we offer a specialized program to help you quit smoking effectively and sustainably. We understand that smoking is a chronic addictive disease that creates nicotine dependence, and that quitting this habit can be a considerable challenge.
Smoking: a priority health problem
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in developed countries, directly associated with:
- Cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke, hypertension)
- Respiratory disorders (COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis)
- Development of various types of cancer (lung, larynx, mouth, esophagus)
- Pregnancy complications and risks to the fetus
- Premature aging and deterioration of quality of life
Scientific evidence shows that quitting smoking with professional support multiplies by three the chances of success compared to trying on your own.
Our Specialized Smoking Cessation Program
At the Dexeus Internal Medicine Smoking Unit we have developed a comprehensive programme that combines:
1. Personalized Evaluation
- Complete medical history with special attention to tobacco-related pathologies
- Assessment of the degree of nicotine dependence using validated tests
- Analysis of previous attempts and factors of success or relapse
- Co-oximetry to measure the level of carbon monoxide
- Assessment of motivation and personal barriers
- Study of comorbidities that may influence the process
2. Individualized Treatment Plan
- Personalized drug therapy when required
- Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, tablets)
- Varenicline
- Bupropion
- Combinations adapted to each case
- Regular medical follow-up to adjust treatment
- Techniques for Withdrawal Control
- Personalized calendar for smoking cessation
3. Psychological and Behavioral Support
- Strategies for coping with risk situations
- Relaxation and stress management techniques
- Tools to control impulses
- Relapse prevention
- Addressing emotional changes during the process
- Advice on changes in diet and weight
4. Continuous Monitoring
- Scheduled follow-up visits
- Critical Situation Phone Support
- Monitoring of treatment progress and adjustments
- Support throughout the cessation process
- Booster program to prevent long-term relapse
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
When you quit smoking, your body begins to recover almost immediately:
Short-term benefits
- Within 20 minutes: Blood pressure and heart rate return to normal
- Within 8 hours: Blood carbon monoxide levels drop by half
- Within 48 hours: Nerve endings begin to regenerate; improve taste and smell
- Within 72 hours: The bronchi relax, making it easier to breathe
- In 2 weeks: Improves blood circulation and lung function
- In 1-3 months: Cough and fatigue decrease; Increases energy
Long-term benefits
- In 1 year: The risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half
- In 5 years: The risk of stroke equals that of a non-smoker
- In 10 years: The risk of lung cancer is cut in half
- In 15 years: The risk of coronary heart disease equals that of a non-smoker
In addition, you will experience important benefits in your quality of life:
- Improved breathing capacity and physical performance
- Recovery of the sense of smell and taste
- Considerable economic savings
- Freedom from dependence
- Positive example for family members and environment
Our Specialized Smoking Team
We have professionals with specific training in the treatment of smoking:
Dr. Elena Navarro
Tobacco Treatment Specialist
Family doctor with advanced training in the approach to addictions and smoking cessation, expert in the management of complications associated with quitting.
Dr. Pablo Perrotti
Specialist in Internal Medicine
Family doctor with advanced training in the approach to addictions and smoking cessation, expert in the management of complications associated with quitting.
- Educate about self-care
- Monitor adherence to treatment
- Track vital signs
- Provide ongoing patient support
Specialist with extensive experience in the treatment of pathologies related to smoking and the management of nicotine dependence.
Our multidisciplinary team works in coordination to offer you the best personalised treatment, significantly increasing your chances of success in quitting tobacco.
Phases of the Smoking Cessation Program
Our program is developed in a personalized way, adapting to your specific needs:
1. Preparation Phase
- First full evaluation consultation
- Setting a quit date
- Design of the personalized plan adapted to your case
- Preparing to face the first days without tobacco
- Education about withdrawal and how to manage it
2. Cessation Phase
- Initiation of pharmacological treatment if indicated
- Intensive follow-up during the first weeks
- Managing withdrawal symptoms
- Constant support in the most difficult moments
- Development of new habits to replace tobacco
3. Maintenance Phase
- Consolidation of abstinence
- Relapse prevention
- Positive reinforcement of achievements
- Strategies for Social Situations and Stressful Times
- Establishing a healthy lifestyle
4. Long-Term Follow-Up Phase
- Regular control queries
- Assessment of overall health and improvements achieved
- Continued reinforcement of the decision not to smoke
- Weight, physical activity and diet counselling
- Permanent support in the event of possible difficulties
Why choose our Tobacco Unit?
Comprehensive Medical Approach
Unlike other methods of quitting smoking, our program addresses all aspects of smoking dependence: physical, psychological, and behavioral.
Personalized Treatment
No two smokers are the same. We tailor treatment based on your level of dependency, medical history, previous attempts, and personal circumstances.
Specialized Equipment
Our professionals have specific training in smoking and experience in helping patients with different profiles and degrees of addiction.
Addressing Complications
We treat in parallel the possible complications that may arise during the process (anxiety, weight gain, sleep disturbances).
Continuous Monitoring
We don’t leave you alone at any point in the process. Our continued follow-up significantly increases the chances of long-term success.
High Success Rate
Our program has demonstrated above-average abstinence rates, thanks to our comprehensive and personalized approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quitting Smoking
The duration varies according to each person, but generally the intensive program lasts between 3 and 6 months, with subsequent follow-up until completing a year.
Not in all cases. The decision to use pharmacological treatment is made individually according to the degree of dependence and characteristics of each person.
Weight gain is possible but not inevitable. Our program includes nutritional counseling and specific strategies to manage this aspect.
Relapses are part of the process in many cases. They do not mean failure, but an opportunity to identify risk situations and reinforce strategies. Our team will support you to get back on track.
We will teach you effective relaxation, stress management and impulse control techniques that will help you face these situations without resorting to tobacco.
Mutual Societies and Collaborating Insurance Companies
At the Dexeus Internal Medicine Smoking Unit we work with the main insurance companies to facilitate your access to our program:
If your insurance company is not listed, ask us about our options for private patients.
Location
How to get there
- By car: Parking in the hospital building
- By bus: lines 59, 70, 72 and 75
- L3 Maria Cristina stop (green line)
- Lines T1, T2 and T3 (María Cristina stop)
Hospital Universitari Dexeus Grupo Quirónsalud
Dirección
Consultas externas planta -1, consultas -1.5 08028 Barcelona