Daily smoker in Dubai halts nicotine habit abruptly upon health concern

World No Tobacco Day: Three Ex-Smokers Share Stories of Recovery

Dubai: Dubai-based expats who once consumed an alarming number of cigarettes daily have succumbed to quitting the habit after battling severe health complications, including lung cancer. These heavy smokers, who smoked up to 50 cigarettes a day, managed to kick the habit rapidly following life-threatening scares.

One of these individuals is Seyed Reza Hosseini, a 49-year-old Iranian resident, working at a sewage treatment plant in Dubai. Initially, Hosseini picked up smoking to pass the time during his long, isolating night shifts. His recreational practice quickly evolved into a serious addiction, smoking up to 40 cigarettes daily.

"I started after watching my colleagues smoke; it seemed harmless at first," Hosseini admitted, having lived in the UAE since 2000.

"However, it soon became a habit that I couldn't resist. I couldn't go a day without smoking two packs."

As the years progressed, the debilitating impact of the habit became evident for Hosseini, who experienced shortness of breath, fatigue, and even unconventional sounds emanating from his lungs.

"My sleep and breathing became hampered. A simple five-minute walk was a challenge."

Concerned for his well-being, Hosseini consulted a lung specialist at Medeor Hospital, Dubai. The medical professional diagnosed substantial lung damage. Under professional guidance, Hosseini was treated with inhalers, injections, and regular check-ups. Despite experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms during the first week, Hosseini decided to quit, now adamant about changing the course of his life.

"My head throbbed, I couldn't sleep, and the constant urge to smoke was a torment. I distracted myself through walking, drinking tea, and staying busy," Hosseini said, praising the UAE's anti-smoking measures, especially the 2017 increase in the price of tobacco products.

"The increase in prices meant people started reducing their consumption by half."

For Hosseini, quitting smoking wasn't solely about health benefits but also about broader responsibilities.

"You need to consider your family. I used to spend Dh12 to Dh15 daily on cigarettes, that translates into about Dh500 a month. That money is better allocated towards loved ones."

Hassan, a 45-year-old Jordanian expat, started smoking in his teenage years, eventually escalating to two packs a day as stress and routine made cigarettes an integral part of his life. Even after being aware of the health risks, Hassan wrestled to quit. He tried various methods like patches, lozenges, and even vaping, but each attempt led to a relapse.

Eventually, Hassan sought help from a structured smoking cessation program at NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah. This comprehensive approach combined nicotine replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, and online support groups. Hassan began walking regularly, joined a gym, and took up swimming.

"I gradually saw my body recover. The transformation, both physical and mental, was remarkable," Hassan shared, proudly stating that he has been tobacco-free for more than six years.

Lastly, their stories echo the essential message of World No Tobacco Day—the importance of addressing smoking habits proactively. The enlightening tales of these ex-smokers serve as potent reminders for all, inspiring the need for early intervention in smoking cessation and highlighting the life-changing benefits of quitting.

Seyed Reza Hosseini, a 49-year-old Iranian resident, was hospitalized with lung cancer, a severe health complication’s normal smokers face.
Lung damage was substantial in Hosseini's case and he received treatment through inhalers, injections, and regular check-ups from a lung specialist at Medeor Hospital, Dubai.
Not only does smoking impact respiratory health, but it also affects cardiovascular health, and this was evident in Hosseini's life with shortness of breath and fatigue.
Migraine is another health condition that smoking can exacerbate, and those who smoke heavily are at a higher risk.
Hearing problems can be associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, another health concern for heavy smokers.
Digestive health issues, such as psoriasis, can also stem from chronic smoking.
Apart from physical health, chronic smoking can extend to eye-health issues and neurological disorders.
Recovery and improved living came for Hosseini once he decided to quit smoking, an act that proved beneficial for his mental health too.
The journey to quit smoking often requires coping strategies, like walking, drinking tea, and staying busy, as seen in Hosseini's case.
Addressing mental health is equally crucial, as it can be challenging to overcome nicotine addiction, especially with stress and routine making cigarettes an integral part of life, as was the case with Hassan.
By adopting a healthier lifestyle, focusing on fitness and exercise, and eliminating harmful habits like smoking, people can make significant improvements to their overall health and wellness.