Smoking cessation toolbox for allergists

To review nicotine addiction, to examine how tobacco use has a direct negative impact on common disorders seen in allergy practice, and to provide a summary of the national guidelines for treating tobacco use and dependence.

OVID searches were performed cross-referencing the keywords tobacco cessation, tobacco use, environmental tobacco exposure, and smoking with multiple disorders commonly seen in allergy practice. References of the chosen articles were also examined.

Articles were selected based on their relevance to the subject matter and currency.

The current US smoking rate far exceeds the desired national goal established by Healthy People 2010. Efforts have been made by the US Public Health Department to streamline the treatment of smoking use and dependence for all physicians. Published research strongly supports the negative impact smoking has on asthma, chronic rhinitis, allergic sensitization, and immunodeficiency disorders.

Allergists know the significant impact that smoking has and will make on the lives and health of patients. It is important for these specialists to make an impact on the chronic disease of tobacco addiction because it directly affects the care rendered. By using the standardized tobacco use treatment concept of the 5 A's (ask, advise, assess, assist, and arrange), allergists can make a positive impact on reducing US smoking rates and improve patient health. Screening, providing brief counseling, and prescribing first-line smoking cessation medications will help the United States get closer to achieving the national goal laid out in Healthy People 2010 of smoking rates of 12% or less.