Nicotine replacement therapy for smokers admitted to intensive care

People who smoke are addicted to nicotine. When smokers are admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) they have to cope with the effects of enforced nicotine withdrawal, as well as the fact that they are critically ill. The effects of nicotine withdrawal in smokers admitted to ICU are not well understood. Does nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) have a place in treating these symptoms and reducing the length of stay in ICU? This paper discusses the problems associated with nicotine withdrawal and the treatments available for ICU patients who smoke.