Smoking cessation therapy and the return of aviators to flying duty

Smoking cessation is an important part of every primary care physician's work. The importance of smoking cessation in the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and the reduction of cancer incidence cannot be overstated. Various treatments have been established to encourage smoking cessation; these include group and individual psychological therapy, nicotine replacement in various forms, and drug therapy. The best-known drug used for smoking cessation is bupropion SR (Zyban). Smoking in aviators is not different than in the general population in terms of prevalence. Thus it is important for flight surgeons worldwide to be familiar with the magnitude of the problem and the available treatment options. Yet, it is also important for this community to become familiar with the relevance of this treatment to aviation and to recognize the limitations pertinent to flying personnel who are attempting to quit smoking. We present treatment options for smoking cessations and their limitations on flying personnel.