Throughout this month, healthcare providers are promoting Stoptober. Stoptober is a campaign that encourages people to use this month as an opportunity to quit smoking and reap the health and wellbeing benefits of stopping smoking.
Quitting smoking benefits your health and wellbeing as it helps your immune system perform to its maximum capacity, strengthens your lungs, and positively benefits your mental health.
Quitting smoking also improves your energy levels and decreases the chance of serious illness as a result. Quitting is also beneficial for your loved ones, as passive smoking is as dangerous as smoking. Not smoking also benefits your bank balance. You will be amazed at how much money you can save.
We strongly advise our patients to not smoke. Smoking as an oxygen user is not only unhealthy but can also be dangerous. If you do smoke, you must turn off oxygen equipment, and allow at least 20 minutes before smoking or going near an open flame.
Electronic Cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes are often used as an alternative to smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, they are not safe to use with oxygen therapy. Electronic cigarettes contain a heating element that vaporises a liquid solution. The cigarettes include a battery that may be charged from a USB power port or a separate battery charger. These items, when exposed to oxygen therapy, can catch alight.
Electronic cigarettes must not be used while using oxygen therapy. Batteries of electronic cigarettes should not be charged in the same room as a person using oxygen therapy or oxygen equipment.
