Author: Anne-Julie Quenette

Your doctor says that you should undergo a cataract surgery…

What should you expect in the days following the operation? What precautions should be taken? Dr. Li Yim, an ophthalmologist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, has accepted to answer all our questions.

What to expect in the days following the surgery?

Although a cataract surgery is generally painless, discomfort or pain may occur during the hours following the operation. However, they should pass quite quickly. Bleeding in the white part of the eye is also often observed, and it usually lasts 5 to 7 days. Vision will be blurred after the procedure, but will gradually return to normal within 2 hours, after a local anaesthesia.

It is also normal for the pupil to remain dilated for 12 to 24 hours. Finally, an increased sensitivity to light, or the impression of ‘seeing flies’ or floating bodies, may happen in some cases. Everything should settle within four weeks.

What precautions should be taken in the evening after the procedure?

It is normal to feel a slight irritation in the eye with each blink. You can therefore take a little paracetamol to ease the discomfort. Apart from this, the eye shield must be kept on until morning. On the first night, no eye drops are applied so as to let the eye rest.

And the next day?

You can remove the eye shield as soon as you wake up. Make sure not to rub your eye! You can nevertheless clean your eye using a cotton pad soaked in previously boiled, warm water, but without exerting any pressure!

You can start your eye drop treatment – Pred Forte and Exocin – ahead of the post-operative visit. Make sure to shake the bottles well before use, then squeeze one drop from each bottle into each eye, waiting 5 minutes in between; you should repeat the process every 4 hours, during waking hours. The duration of treatment depends on the prescribed medication: it is advisable, for example, to stop Exocin after 1 week, but to continue Pred Forte for a whole month.

Are there any special precautions to take?

Of course. During the first week, avoid rubbing your eyes. You should also be careful not to let dust, shampoo or soap into your eye. Moreover, avoid wearing makeup or applying cream in the eye area for two weeks.

You can, however, resume your activities: there are no dietary restrictions, and you can even watch TV and read your book the day after the operation! Make sure to wash your hands regularly throughout the day.

Listen to your body: after your postoperative visit, if you experience pain, more redness, a decrease in your vision, a feeling of veil on the eye, or if you see flashes of light or floating bodies, do not hesitate to contact your ophthalmologist.

For more information, call us on 401 95 00 or send us a WhatsApp message on 5 835 38 86.

While it should only cause a temporary discomfort, gastroenteritis—an infection of the digestive tract—can sometimes have harmful consequences in infants and young children. Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, loss of appetite… How to prevent it? Dr Alleesaib, a paediatrician at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, explains.

We all know about gastroenteritis. An unpleasant episode to get through, it usually resolves after a few days. However, while it occurs as a minor disease in adults, it can quickly become dangerous in babies and young children. ‘The diarrhoea caused by gastroenteritis is the leading cause of infant mortality in Africa’, says Dr. Alleesaib. An appalling fact, which is most often attributable to a limited access to clean water.

‘We see gastroenteritis increasing with each climate change, during cyclonic periods, torrential rain or thunderstorms’, she continues. The reason is that water can be contaminated with two viruses mainly responsible for gastroenteritis in toddlers: norovirus and rotavirus. How do we protect our babies? The first preventive step consists in an oral vaccine given to full-term babies at 6 and 10 weeks of life to fight rotavirus.

‘Gastroenteritis is extremely contagious. So, make sure to boil the water that you give to the child, to wash your hands carefully, and also to clean every surface, which could have been contaminated—namely by a diaper leak or an infected person’, says the doctor. The bonus for breastfeeding moms is that breastfeeding has proven to be the best remedy and even has a protective effect against the risk of rotavirus diarrhoea, especially in infants under 6 months.

How do we know when a child is infected? ‘The baby will pass out more than 10 liquid stools per day, will be prone to crying and whining, will have colic, vomiting and fever sometimes… It will also lead to weight loss and loss of appetite’, says Dr. Alleesaib. The main danger of gastroenteritis remains the risk of dehydration, which is a real emergency since the consequences can quickly become serious: neurological, renal, cardiovascular complications and, in more serious cases, death.

There are many signs, which can suggest dehydration. ‘The child will have dry skin, fewer tears; their diapers will not be wet, their eyes will be sunken, their fontanel hollow…’, adds the doctor. The only solution is to keep the child hydrated. Breastfeeding, as the ultimate means of rehydration, must therefore be continued. ‘For children feeding on formula, a formula which is adapted to gastroenteritis and lactose-free is recommended so as not to make diarrhoea worse’, she says. You can also give your child rehydration drinks until urine production gets back to normal.

As for breastfed infants suffering from gastroenteritis, their mothers should drink plenty of water and avoid fried and spicy dishes. ‘If the baby has started diversification, you may opt for starchy foods such as pasta, dry roti, cassava, rice or bread’, says the doctor. Foodstuffs which will harden the stool or slow down intestinal transit, such as mashed carrot, banana, or apple, are also favoured. However, any food that is rich in fibre, especially green vegetables, are to be avoided.

If you think your child is suffering from gastroenteritis, do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our professionals by calling 401 95 00 or sending a WhatsApp message on 5 835 38 86.

Did you know that it was a woman who invented the first real computer program in 1843? In a field which has essentially been dominated by men, many women have nevertheless brought much progress! Now in 2023, women inclusion in the digital world is put forward. And this is particularly important to us at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, since the Head of our IT department… is a woman!

Ada Lovelace, Hedy Lamarr, Evelyn Boyd Granville… Many women left their mark in the IT industry through their discoveries, until they almost were forgotten. And yet, the IT world would never have been what it is now, without them! Today, with the ongoing battle for gender parity at work, more and more women are entering the IT sector, which has been restricted to men so far.

This is the case of Bhavna Beedasee, Information Technology Manager at the Clinique Bon Pasteur. While she is surrounded by women in her working environment, she and her colleague Christopher are the only two members of the IT team. The perfect parity! She has an exacting job since she must ensure that the Clinic’s operations are always running optimally.

‘It represents a huge challenge because we must remain alert. It happened that people called me in the middle of the night to solve computer problems’, says Bhavna. A job, which therefore requires much availability, flexibility and responsiveness—requirements that are far than being disheartening! ‘I love my job. I enjoy finding solutions to problems and learning more every day. I am constantly trying to improve myself and be a leader for others’, she explains.

In 2023, she is dealing with a major challenge: the full automation of the Clinic’s operations through the Hospital Information System. According to Bhavna, this is a logical initiative since we live today in a typically digital world. Through such process, the Clinic will actually depend less on paper, but will also be able to devote itself totally to its patients and to its core business: listening and caring with uttermost humanity.

Bhavna has not always been passionate about computers! She was particularly interested in science, but a scholarship in Computer Science led her on a new path. It was a fortunate coincidence since she discovered her true passion therein. Today, at the head of the Computer Department of the Clinique Bon Pasteur, she is happy to see more and more women taking an interest in this field. ‘I think it was above all a huge lack of confidence that prevented women from giving it a try, because they were told it was a man’s world’, she says.

For her, this emerging parity holds many advantages. ‘Women mostly operate with patience and know how to handle many challenges’, she continues. Such are essential qualities to shape the digital world of tomorrow! To girls and women who would like to get started, Bhavna’s advice is not to hesitate. ‘Today, working in IT is not like working behind a screen and programming! IT pertains to almost every field, from medical to aviation, and offers countless opportunities’, she adds.

Words that will hopefully inspire more than one!

Orthopedic surgery

Specialising in the surgical treatment and correction of various deformities and injuries, orthopedic surgery definitely covers a large spectrum. Yet, some of the more common conditions are a daily reality for most self-respecting orthopedic surgeons. We come back on the question with Dr. Panchoo, orthopedic surgeon at the Clinique Bon Pasteur.

What usually leads a person to consult an orthopedic surgeon?
The reasons for consultation in orthopedic surgery are diverse. We treat, for example, osteoarticular injuries, fractures, osteoarthritis, bone deformities, and neck or back pain. In my practice, patients most often come to see me for lower back, neck or shoulder pain, knee osteoarthritis, knee injuries resulting from sports activities, fractures and sprains.

What are the most common reasons for a surgery?
In general, surgery is performed to control pain, to correct deformation and, most importantly, to improve the patient’s quality of life. In orthopedics, we must first make the difference between surgical emergencies and so-called ‘cold’ pathologies – which do not necessarily require an immediate intervention. All emergencies require surgery, and it is up to the orthopedic surgeon to examine the patient and determine if there is an emergency or not.

There are, however, some well-defined indications for surgery. For example, the majority of neck and back pain are due to herniated discs. To treat them, we start with a conservative treatment, which consists in medication, a lot of rest and physiotherapy sessions. In 90% cases, patients respond favourably to this type of treatment. Surgery is only indicated whenever conservative treatment has failed, or in the presence of any neurological deficit.

The same applies to osteoarthritis of the knee and hip: we recommend surgery to such patients, for whom the conservative treatment has not had the desired results, in order to improve their quality of life. Displaced, intra-articular or open fractures usually require surgery.

In such cases, how does the intervention take place?
For fractures requiring surgery, we perform an open reduction, followed by internal fixation with implants. Such may vary and depend on the location of the fracture. For example, a fracture of the forearm will require screwed plates, while an intramedullary nail will be recommended in the case of a femur fracture.
As far as disc hernias are concerned, the surgical procedure is, again, variable and may require a simple discectomy – which consists of removing the hernia to relieve the compression it causes – or a lumbar fusion.

Advanced stages of osteoarthritis of the knee or hip – where some wear and tear due to loss of cartilage has been detected – can be treated by arthroplasty, i.e., the fitting of a prosthetic knee or hip. Such prostheses exist for most joints: shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle…

For patients with shoulder pain, this most often results from a tearing of the rotator cuff in the elderly, or from instability in younger patients. The surgical treatment consists of arthroscopy: the specialist examines the affected joint using a tiny optical device, which is inserted through a small incision.

Finally, meniscal and ligamentary lesions of the knee can also be treated by arthroscopy, followed by ligament reconstruction.

How does post-operative follow-up work?
Any surgical procedure requires post-operative follow-up. One must understand that surgery obviously involves risks: risks of infection, bleeding, neurovascular deficiency, etc. Monitoring is therefore essential since it helps detect complications early enough, and also keep an eye on the patient’s recovery and progress.

Moreover, rehabilitation holds a very important place in the field of orthopedic surgery. We work closely with physiotherapists to ensure smooth progress in the treatment. They must follow the orthopedic surgeon’s instructions regarding the exercises to be performed and the patient’s mobility.

Are any precautions to be taken following such a procedure?
Once again, every procedure comes with its share of precautions! Depending on the operation and the recommended treatment, the specialist will explain to the patient what actions and precautions to take, so as not to hinder the smooth running of the post-operative follow-up.

One thing is certain: in most cases, extensive rest is prescribed! With the patient’s well-being in mind, the orthopedic surgeon will then advise on resumption of work or sports activity.

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease, often associated with ageing. It is thought to be caused by the ageing of the joints, but can affect individuals of any age, and more particularly athletes and people suffering from obesity. On this World Osteoarthritis Day, we tell you more.

When it comes to the joints, osteoarthritis unfortunately knows no limits: it can affect the neck and the back, the fingers, the shoulders, the elbows, the ankles, the wrists, the hips, or even the knee. Also known as ‘rheumatism’, it represents a progressive degradation of the cartilage, leading to chronic pain, difficult movements, stiffness – especially in the morning – and, sometimes, swelling. If the pain seems to calm down at rest, it may resume with any movement of the joint.

Although the risks are higher in athletes, people suffering from obesity, and certain occupations, such as farming, heredity can also be a significant risk factor. Less cited risk factors also include certain damaging habits. Wearing high heels would increase, for example, the risk of knee osteoarthritis, as would joint injuries, or menopause and its hormonal shake-up!

How to relieve such unpleasant pain? An optimal lifestyle with a maximum of sport should be adopted. If you think that leaving the painful joint at rest is the right thing to do, you have got it wrong! Indeed, if the latter is not used, the cartilage may deteriorate further. Except when acute pain is felt, regular physical activity would even have a pain-killing effect on the affected part, provided endurance sports such as cycling, walking or swimming are given precedence. Diet should also be taken into account to reduce the inconvenience caused by osteoarthritis.

Specialists actually recommend a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as pulses, olive or rapeseed oil, fruit and vegetables – which are also rich in antioxidants to fight cell aging and in fibre –, and… Cayenne pepper! Conversely, other foods should be avoided in case of osteoarthritis: meat – in particular red meat –, cold cuts, sugar, alcohol, fried foods, and even certain vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil or soybean oil.

Over and above a healthier lifestyle, you can seek help with many professionals to make your daily life easier. Physiotherapy is a good example. Thanks to the various treatments and exercises it offers, it not only helps relieve pain, but also delays joint degeneration!

To make an appointment with one of the physiotherapists at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, contact us on 401 95 00.

Physical pain, dizziness, lung problems, psychiatric disorders, osteoarthritis… Is there anything that physiotherapy does not treat? With the aim of improving the patient’s physical condition, physiotherapy uses various means to design the best solution for each individual’s problem. Let us learn more on this paramedical discipline with Nazeema Gajra-Bolaky, physiotherapist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur and at the Nehru Hospital on behalf of the Ministry for Health.

First of all, we often speak about various disciplines without being able to differentiate them. What is the difference between physiotherapy, kinesitherapy, osteopathy and chiropractics?

Physiotherapy and kinesitherapy both refer to the same thing. In both cases, the therapist is a medical assistant, who is qualified by a state diploma. Osteopathy defines the manipulation of joints, and the profession is not necessarily endorsed by a state diploma. An osteopath can be a doctor, a physical therapist, a midwife, or a non-professional health provider. Lastly, chiropractics focuses on the spinal column.

So, what exactly is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy uses a wide range of therapeutic methods such as electrotherapy, cryotherapy (treatment by the cold), heat therapy, hydrotherapy (treatment by water), as well as various rehabilitation exercises. It aims at improving physical health and restoring motor skills using physical techniques and no medication. It helps maintain health and is therefore recommended for treating certain disabilities, which can affect any of the neurological, sensory, motor or cardio-respiratory systems. It applies to a wide range of disorders such as strokes, sprains, fractures, back pain, incontinence, or post-surgical rehabilitation.

When does one need to consult a physiotherapist?

It is somehow the key question, which everyone raises. To make it clear, I would say that it becomes necessary to consult if you have difficulties to make certain movements – for example, if it becomes more and more difficult to climb such stairs, which you have been used to go up with ease –, if you suffer a pain, which does not go away, or a recent or long-standing pain, which has become so strong that you cannot make certain movements or activities. It is also advised to consult after a surgical intervention, a fracture, a neurological problem or if you have expectorations – which we commonly call ‘phlegmes’ in Mauritius – and if you have difficulties breathing.

Are there counter-indications to such treatments?

Yes, it depends on the patient’s pathology or medical history. For example, electrotherapy cannot be used on an epileptic person, on anyone carrying a pacemaker or on the belly of a pregnant woman. It is best to check with your physiotherapist. Depending on the situation, the treatment can also be adapted: for example, if you have broken ribs, respiratory physiotherapy will be used without vibrations on the ribs.

How does a session go about?

First, the patient should be referred to the physiotherapist by a physician. After he has explained his problem, the physiotherapist will examine him and detail the course of the treatment before starting. The course of the session and the number of recommended sessions will depend on the patient’s pathology.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact us on the 401 9500.

Radiology and pulmonology : what pulmonary imaging can reveal about your lungs

Everyday your lungs are doing an extraordinary job: bringing oxygen into the blood and driving out the carbon dioxide produced by the cells. They may be nevertheless affected by ailments, particularly when smoking is involved. Let us take a peek at the radiology department with Vishal Dhomun, radiographer, and Dr. Deerpalsing, pulmonologist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur.

‘The first thing to do when we receive a patient with lung problems is to establish an accurate history of symptoms and risk factors, such as smoking, which may predispose to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer,’ begins Dr. Deerpalsing. Further tests can be recommended on many grounds: for example, if the patient has smoked for more than 20 years and suffers from chronic cough, shortness of breath, a lot of sputum in absence of infection, or chest pain. Several investigative procedures, such as blood tests, spirometry and radiological tests, are used to issue an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

After the approval of a pulmonologist is obtained, the patient is directed to the radiology department for an X-ray or a CT scan in order to detect problems such as emphysema, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis or even lung cancers. ‘Simple radiography provides us with basic information and can already help us detect a pathology,’ says Dr. Deerpalsing. ‘However, to obtain more advanced information, such as for the detection of lumps, we opt for a CT-Scan, which provides us with millimeter-scale cross-sectional images of excellent precision,’ continues Vishal.

For an X-ray, which does not usually take more than a minute, there is no special preparation. For the CT-Scan, the patient may be requested to fast for a few hours if the investigation requires an injection of iodinated contrast medium to make lumps even more visible. ‘It all depends on what we’re looking for and the patient’s condition,’ says Vishal. While X-ray procedures on a targeted part of the body presents negligible risks, computed tomography is a more invasive technique, which should be used sparingly.

‘As much as possible, we avoid performing CT-Scans on young people and women, for example, to minimise their exposure to radiation,’ says the doctor. Actually, women undergoing repeated scans would see their risk of developing cancer, especially breast cancer, increase over the course of investigation. The injection of iodinated contrast medium presents a minimal risk of allergy. To prevent this, people with severe allergy to iodine, seafood or certain medications, will have to abstain from such an injection, while mild allergy sufferers will be administered a corticosteroid drug to avoid any adverse effects. ‘The main thing is to make sure you’re doing the right scan on the right person at the right time,’ concludes the doctor.

For more information on the tests performed at the Clinic, do not hesitate to contact our radiology department on 454 21 71.

Since the Clinique Bon Pasteur is committed to the safety and health of its employees and collaborators as well as its patients and visitors, works have been initiated this year to provide an optimal environment to all. Anju Teeluck, Health & Safety Officer, and Mario Sandian, Clinic Maintenance Officer, are telling us more.

Drafted in 2008, the Health and Safety Policy has undergone many adjustments over the years in order to address all the aspects of health and safety at the Clinic in the best way. ‘Our policy covers a wide range of topics, including the responsibility of each individual, in particular the employer’s responsibility to its employees, but also the monitoring of reported health and safety concerns and the implementation of the recommended corrective measures,’ explains Anju. In addition, training is put in place to ensure the application of appropriate work practices as well as the review and improvement of all processes.

Indeed, a good health and safety policy is a win-win solution for all parties. ‘We not only comply with the laws and regulations: we also ensure a safe environment, where it is a pleasure to work or stay. This is not only beneficial as to the commitment of our employees and clients, but also generates positive long-term results for the clinic with, for example, the arrival of new reputable doctors,’ Anju continues. In the year 2022, the Clinic is therefore working hard to improve its premises.

The improvements include the creation of a new operating room and the renovation of the two existing ones, in order to best meet the needs of patients and employees. ‘Everything has been designed according to international standards. For example, our new centralised air conditioning system is built with HEPA filters to supply clean air in the rooms, thus reducing the risk of infection,’ says Mario. At the same time, the embellishment of the front yard, with the creation of small gardens, automatic irrigation and new paving, promises an enhanced living space.

The redevelopment of the car park, which is still under way, is a project that weighs heavily in the safety balance. ‘In addition to such renovation, we also plan to install an automatic gate and a ticket system for better access control,’ adds Mario. The aim is to minimise the risk of accidents and incidents by improving vehicle traffic. The access ramp for persons with reduced mobility was also rebuilt to provide easier access to the consultation rooms.

The works may be numerous, but all precautions are taken to ensure site safety for all. ‘Workers have equipment that meet safety requirements and work under the supervision of an experienced contractor and a project manager. Some accesses are now restricted, and we are making our best efforts to reduce noise so as not to impede the day-to-day lives of employees and patients,’ says Anju. As most works are still in progress, the Clinic is looking forward to unveiling a modern and fresh look, to the great delight of its collaborators and visitors.

Think about your heart’s health and say no to tobacco

We often associate smoking with lung diseases, yet we tend to forget its harmful effects on the heart. According to the WHO, one in five deaths due to heart disease is directly linked to smoking – and this is quite an alarming figure! Dr. Gopaul, cardiologist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur, discusses the question.

Tobacco use causes millions of deaths worldwide every year. When it comes to heart health only, the numbers are chilling. ‘A smoker is 2 to 3 times more likely to have a coronary heart attack – especially a heart attack – than a non-smoker, and 5 times more likely to develop peripheral arterial disease, such as ischaemia of the lower limbs,’ says Dr. Gopaul. The underlying cause is the composition of tobacco of more than 4,000 toxic substances.

Nicotine, for instance, entails the release of cathecholamines, which have the effect of increasing heart rate and blood pressure. ‘The heart muscle’s need for oxygen increases, which is harmful for patients with existing coronary conditions, and the size of coronary vessels is reduced under the vasoconstrictor effect,’ the doctor continues. Smoking also contributes to the inflammation of the arteries’ inner walls and increases the risk of developing blood clots.

For the Doctor, whether it is active, passive or occasional smoking, the effects on the heart are still damaging. ‘For example, a person who lives with a smoker has greater chances of developing a respiratory or cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. This is particularly worrisome for children or pregnant women, with a risk of having premature or low-weight babies,’ he says.

The most common cardiac pathology among smokers remains coronary heart attack – often resulting in sudden death or sequelae such as heart failure and rhythm or conduction disorders. ‘However, tobacco is also responsible for an increase in blood pressure and rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation. Such pathologies can cause heart dysfunction,’ explains Dr. Gopaul.

While the risk of heart disease is accentuated by smoking, many other risk factors also weigh in the balance: high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes (especially Type 2), obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress, a family history of cardiovascular diseases… To ensure optimal heart health, it is therefore advisable to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, and to avoid stress.

If you think you are having a heart attack, call the emergency services right away. The recognisable signs include chest pain or discomfort radiating through the neck, arms and back, associated with sweating, nausea, faintness and, sometimes, a feeling of imminent death. Heart attack can however be atypical – with abdominal pain or discomfort in the left arm – or even asymptomatic. ‘From the first symptoms, the patient must be put to complete rest in a quiet environment, before calling an ambulance. Treating a heart attack in less than 4 to 6 hours reduces the risks of complications. Hence the common saying: time is muscle!’ advises Dr. Gopaul. There’s not a second to waste for your health!

To book an appointment with one of our specialists for a cardiac assessment, please contact the medical secretaries at the consultation desk on 401 9500, or go to the ‘Doctors’ page on our website.

 

For the World Health Day on the 7th April 2022, the WHO has decided to focus on the link between health and environment. Today, we are increasingly exposed to air pollution, in which we participate, and this has an effect on our health, with smoking being one of the major issues. We discussed the subject with Dr. Donat, pulmonologist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur.

What are the effects of active smoking on the smoker’s respiratory health?

Tobacco use is known to cause a lot of damage and kills more than 8 million people each year, according to the WHO. With each puff of cigarette, the smoker inhales a significant amount of toxic substances such as: tar, carbon monoxide, acetone… Such substances attack the lungs directly and cause damage to the respiratory system by inflaming the bronchi, destroying the cilia in the lungs – which are responsible for cleaning the bronchi – and triggering persistent coughing. Smokers’ lungs gradually lose elasticity and thus cannot expand properly at breath intake, which not only affects their respiratory capacity, but also their heart system, since the supply of oxygen to the blood is reduced. That is why we say that smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to non-smokers.

What are the most common conditions related to smoking?

When it comes to the respiratory system, there are three common conditions that are, most often, related to smoking. In the first place, we have bronchial cancers, which wreak havoc in men and women likewise. According to one of the WHO’s latest reports, 90% of this type of cancer could be prevented by eliminating smoking – which is huge! Coming second, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious chronic respiratory disease, which can lead to chronic respiratory failure. Lastly, tobacco is an important risk factor in the development of asthma, especially in children who are in contact with smokers. In addition to these three aspects, other respiratory diseases unrelated to tobacco can still be aggravated by its use.

Are occasional smokers or passive smokers also concerned?

Respiratory experts refer to a toxicity threshold, ‘20 pack-years’, which represents a consumption of 20 cigarettes per day for 20 years, or 40 cigarettes per day for 10 years, for example. The risk of developing bronchial cancer would be defined from this critical threshold of 20 pack-years. However, even for an occasional smoker or a passive smoker, the inhaled smoke of one cigarette is one too much, as it still increases the chances of developing a disease. Passive smoking is estimated to cause more than 1.2 million deaths worldwide each year, as well as many concomitant diseases. It does not only affect the respiratory system, but also the entire ENT region, with risks of developing lip, mouth, or larynx affections.

What would be your best tips to get rid of this addiction?

While there are many solutions to help smokers end it with tobacco, they must first have the will to quit. This is essential. There are many forms of medicinal and psychological support, on which they can rely to get the best chances to succeed. Aid drugs include patches, lozenges or other substances. New drugs have also been recently released, but one needs to be careful and seek a doctor’s advice, since such drugs may have side effects. On the psychological side, speaking to a therapist can be effective, or the 5-day plan recommended by the Ligue Vie et Santé, where smokers are encouraged to quit smoking without any substitute. There are also mobile apps inspired by cognitive and behavioural therapies, which build on self-motivation to support the decision to quit smoking. Every person is different, and there are many solutions, from which each can choose from, according to their preferences.

Once you stop smoking, what happens to your body?

The good news for quitters is that most of the damage caused by smoking to the respiratory system – provided it has not led to the serious illnesses mentioned above – start to regress as soon as they stop smoking. The effects on the body are almost immediate, since blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen levels return to normal after only 20 minutes. As the days go by, the risk of myocardial infarction decreases and breathing improves. As a matter of fact, the bronchial eyelashes begin to grow back month after month, and resume their cleaning process. After one year, the risk of stroke for an ex-smoker is the same as for a non-smoker. It takes a few more years before the risk of developing lung cancer decreases by half, and about 10 to 15 years for an ex-smoker’s life expectancy to reach that of non-smokers. The body takes time to recover, but it’s worth it!