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Anastasia Balezdrova

An average smoker in Greece spends 200 euros a month for cigarettes. It is estimated that such a tobacco lover is spending during his entire active life from 18 to 65 years an amount equal to the price of an apartment of hundred square metres in downtown Athens. It is not quite clear whether this finding is likely to force smokers to quit smoking given that the Greeks do not give up the bad habit despite the legal ban.

On the occasion of the International Day against Tobacco, the Greek lung association began free examinations in the open in order to acquaint the people with the spirometry examination. The specialists measure the respiratory capacity through it and detect the presence of lung diseases.

The mobile laboratory of the Association was located in the central Klavtmonos Square in the Greek capital from early morning. People willing to be examined were coming although the examinations were limited to 2:30 pm. Yannis Dimitroulis was one of the specialists who participated in the campaign. He told GRReporter that over five thousand people have been examined since the beginning of the campaign. Today, he and his colleagues were able to examine about 250 Athenians and their assistants advised those willing to be examined to come tomorrow, but earlier than the announced time.

"Those who wish to quit smoking do it. The rest need specialized help to quit smoking. People who are determined ask us and even book an appointment. The experts in the offices are able to help for about 65 percent."

How is the treatment carried out in these offices?

The experts inform the people about the harmful effects of smoking and make a program for each patient. It can include a fixed date for the cessation of smoking, help from the family environment, and in some cases nicotine replacing medications that act on the brain generally are prescribed.

What is the purpose of the examinations in the open?

The efforts of the Association are aimed at promoting the examination, because many people are unaware of spirometry. It has the same meaning for the lungs as cardiography has for the heart. This is a simple test to check lung function. Here we perform a "coarse" control. In case we find chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is caused mainly by smoking we recommend them to go to a hospital or to private pulmonologysts for a detailed examination.

Tell us about the diseases that occur as a result of smoking.

The main cause of COPD is smoking without being the only reason, of course. The environment pollution and the dust in certain occupations are also among the agents. Its symptoms include cough, coughing, difficult breathing at work, and when we are at rest. In most cases, the patients are long-term smokers. Passive smoking may also be affected by the disease. It affects 15-20 percent of smokers. Those who are not affected by it will also suffer from other negative consequences of smoking.

It causes a number of diseases. Lung cancer, stomach ulcers, arterial diseases, strokes are some of the consequences. The truth is that I can not say anything good about smoking.

Do people respond to your campaigns?

The people’s interest is great. The poster campaign had a very positive effect and those willing to be examined call the Association and seek help. But a campaign in the open helps introduce the examination to the public. It often happens that a person wants to be examined but postpones the examination for various reasons. This is easier than to book an appointment at a hospital or to visit the specialist in pulmonary diseases in the neighbourhood. The fact that they can be examined while passing by attracts the people.

Do you think there will be a significant number of people who quit smoking after the spirometry?

I was in the office to help quit smoking in the hospital where I work for a long time. We helped people who were determined to stop smoking. However, there are people who are adamant and their results are not very good.

Today, the specialists managed to examine more than 250 people. The 30-year-old Nikos, who is a smoker from 11 years, was not examined but he said he would go again tomorrow. "I smoke two boxes per day, and I think it's time to try to stop," he said and admitted that the reason for his decision is the persistent morning cough and the rapid fatigue. However, he admitted that he has not made serious attempts so far despite the symptoms. "Here it is much faster, easier, and free," he said, but he did not seem fully resolved to part with his bad habit.