The Smoking Cessation Office is the most effective and medically accepted way to quit smoking internationally, with success rates reaching 70-80% of cases. The treatment applied in the office by a specialist pulmonologist follows an organized support program based on the personalized approach of the smoker and combines counseling support and monitoring with appropriate medication. The medicinal substances that are available are nicotine replacement products (gums, transdermal patches, nasal spray), bupropion and varenicline, all of which are approved by the National Organization for Medicines (EOF), while also absolute abstinence from smoking during treatment is important, which is largely achieved from the first days.
The program usually lasts three months and includes four office visits. The first visit includes a detailed medical history, evaluation of the degree of nicotine dependence with a special questionnaire, clinical examination, as well as various respiratory tests, such as spirometry, pulse oximetry, measurement of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) and if deemed necessary, a chest X-ray and blood gas measurement, in order to evaluate the overall clinical condition of the smoker. The next two visits (end of the first and second month respectively) include a discussion and mobilization of the smoker, where potential complications from both medication and smoking cessation (withdrawal symptoms) are evaluated and addressed, as well as possible relapse factors. At the last visit (end of the third month) the treatment is usually stopped, after the smoker has previously undergone the special clinical laboratory test again, as in his/her first visit.
Regular follow-up at the clinic and the establishment of a direct relationship increases the rate of long-term abstinence, since the input of the specialist is considered necessary in encouraging the person to try again, since relapses are common in the first two years.
For more information or to make an appointment, please contact our call center at +30 2410 996000
