AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 8/10/2007 Subject: worried!!
Question I'm 14 and have been smoking since i was 12 i smoke from 10-15 a day my mum brought me patches and gum but they didn't work to stop me smoking and now i have really bad headaches, blocked nose and a bad throat do you know why i am having these symptoms??
Answer Dear Lauren,
If you are still smoking the stuffed nose and bad throat are from the smoking.
Smoking raises your blood pressure and this can lead to headaches.
You should quit right away. Smoking at your age is particularly bad as your body is still developing. Get your mom to take you to a doctor. He can prescribe Zyban an anti-anxiety drug that helps many people quit. Another new drug, Chantix, is not yet recommended for those under 18, but it has been safely used in that group. A doctor may be able to give that as well.
The patch does not work for everyone, and does not always work the first time. Teenage girls sometime have a hard time quitting. You can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW toll free and get information on resources in your state. Some states have a toll free quit line that may be useful.
