What are the health risks of nicotine gum and patches over the long term
health advisory
Hospital
Doctor Yu
2007-11-8 19:09:54
Answers:
All I know about this matter is that my aunt chewed nicotine gum for 10 years (bad idea) and she developed throat cancer.whether it was from the gum or smoking for ever I don't know, but it is quite addicting. Another case is my grandma chewed the gum as well, and after 2 years she had stomach problems and gum irritation. From these examples, I would guess that it's not a good idea to use the stuff for too long. They both were successful at quitting smoking though.
I have successfully used nicotime gum to quit smoking. I am not a medical professional. The way I look at it is -- if there is minor adverse effects -- it can't be more harmful than smoking.
They can cause gum problems,gastric ulcers[acidity]if you are using the gum.Patches can cause sleep disturbance as they release nicotine into your body as well as causing local reaction[irritation to the part where you apply the patch].And both can cause dry mouth,angina[chest pain],nervousness and arrhythmias.Both shouldn't be used for more than 3 months.Good luck to you if you are considering stopping smoking.