Three fully loaded jumbo jets crashing every single day; it’s a horrible thought, but that's approximately how many people die from smoking related illnesses. Smokers who quit reduce their chances of getting sick significantly. But kicking the habit isn't easy; research shows nicotine replacement therapy helps. But which type works best, the patch, nasal spray, or nicotine gum? Here is some helpful information found in this Health Watch Report.

"I've always loved photography. I've always loved flowers," said former smoker Rhonda Rosburg.

Rosburg could spend hours in this field, just shooting away. She said her art is much better now that's she has quit smoking. Before Rosburg kicked the habit it seemed she just couldn't focus.

"I'd have been too worried about when I was going to get my next cigarette," said Rosburg.

Twenty-five years of smoking a pack a day was making breathing harder. So Rosburg quit -- five times -- only to go back each time to her habit.

"I tell people that the trail from smoking to permanent abstinence, which is where they want to be, is not a straight line -- lots of curves in the road," said Dr. J. Taylor Hays of the Mayo Clinic.

But Hays also said you can make that road a little straighter by using the right combination of nicotine replacement.

"There aren't studies that show one product is clearly better than the other," Hays said.

So he recommends choosing products that fit your lifestyle. Here is what is available over the counter: The slow release patch, or faster-acting nicotine gum, and the nicotine lozenge. You need a prescription for the nicotine nasal spray or inhaler.

"I used the patch and I also used the gum for the little strong urges," Rosburg said.

Rosburg was then able to quit and now focuses her time with her art, instead of the need for nicotine.

In addition to the patch and nicotine gum, Rhonda also had tobacco counseling. These sessions gave her strategies and tools to stay off cigarettes. Research shows counseling plus nicotine replacement is the most effective method for quitting.

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
The Mayo Clinic
Baylor College of Medicine