Smoking cessation brief advice

Overview

Smoking cessation brief advice is a short, simple conversation a healthcare professional has with a person who smokes. The advice encourages the person to quit smoking and points them to effective support to help them stop.

Yes. Brief advice for quitting smoking is a standard part of health checks in many countries, including the UK’s National Health Service.

It is offered to anyone who uses tobacco, regardless of age, gender, or how long they have smoked. It is especially important for pregnant women, people with long-term conditions, and those scheduled for surgery.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Craving for a cigarette
• Feeling irritable, anxious, or restless when not smoking
• Coughing or a sore throat after stopping smoking (these are temporary as the lungs heal)

Symptoms in children

• Children who smoke may experience early morning cough, frequent colds, and shortness of breath during exercise.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults who smoke may have reduced lung function, slower healing of wounds, and a higher risk of heart and lung diseases.

Causes

Main causes

• Nicotine addiction – the chemical in tobacco that makes smoking hard to quit.
• Habit – smoking becomes linked with daily routines like having coffee or taking a break.
• Stress – many people smoke to cope with stress, but it actually worsens anxiety over time.

Risk factors

• Peer pressure, especially in teenagers
• Having family members or friends who smoke
• Living with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
• Lower income or educational level, where smoking rates are often higher

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above (chest pain, stroke signs, severe shortness of breath), call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you smoke and want to quit, talk to your GP, nurse, or pharmacist. They can provide brief advice and refer you to stop-smoking services.

Diagnosis

Smoking status is usually identified through a simple question: 'Do you smoke?' This is often asked during routine check-ups or when visiting a healthcare professional for any reason.

Tests that may be done

• No special tests are needed. A carbon monoxide breath test may be offered to confirm smoking and motivate quitting.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor or nurse will ask about your smoking habits, how many cigarettes you smoke a day, and whether you have tried quitting before. They will then give brief advice and offer to connect you with support services.

Treatment

Brief advice is the first step. It usually takes less than three minutes and involves asking about smoking, advising on the best way to quit, and offering help such as a referral to a stop-smoking service.

Self-care at home

• Set a quit date and tell family and friends for support.
• Remove all cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays from your home and car.
• Prepare for cravings by planning distractions like going for a walk or chewing sugar-free gum.

Medical treatments

Your healthcare provider may recommend nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches, gum, or inhalators) or prescription medications that reduce cravings. These are most effective when combined with behavioural support from a stop-smoking service.

When is surgery considered?

Smoking cessation is strongly advised before any surgery because smoking increases the risk of complications. Brief advice is often given during pre-surgery assessments.

Living with this condition

Quitting smoking is a journey. Each day without a cigarette is a success. Cravings usually last only a few minutes, so using a strategy (like deep breathing or calling a friend) can help you get through them.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid triggers such as alcohol or coffee if they make you want to smoke.
• Increase physical activity to reduce stress and manage weight gain common after quitting.
• Reward yourself with the money saved from not buying cigarettes.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help you feel better. Exercise releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce cravings. Even a short walk can make a difference.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Quitting smoking can temporarily increase stress or anxiety, but these feelings usually improve within a few weeks. Many people feel a sense of accomplishment and better overall mood. If you struggle, talk to your doctor – stopping smoking actually improves mental health in the long run.

Prevention

Yes. The best way to prevent smoking is never to start. Brief advice from healthcare professionals can also help prevent relapse in people who have quit. Education about the risks and support for young people is key.

Screening programmes

Healthcare professionals can screen for smoking status during any medical visit, which triggers brief advice and support.

Complications

If left untreated

• Increased risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and stroke
• Higher risk of infections, slower wound healing, and complications during pregnancy
• Financial loss from spending money on cigarettes

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very positive. Within weeks of quitting, your circulation improves and your lung function starts to recover. Over time, your risk of many smoking-related diseases drops significantly. Every attempt to quit brings you closer to success.

Find support

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