Breath Holding Predicts Reduced Smoking Intake but Not Quitting

Introduction: Cigarette smokers who attempt to quit may or may not relapse. Previous research has shown that breath-holding ability predicts successful quitting, and it has been suggested that breath-holding ability may be a marker of tolerance for uncomfortable physiological symptoms. Methods: We measured breath-holding ability and smoking in a large general-population birth cohort from age 21 to age 32. Results: Cross-sectionally, at age 21, breath-holding ability was greater in males who had quit smoking than in either current or non-smokers, while no such differences were observed amongst females. On the other hand, no prospective associations were detected between breath-holding ability and quitting smoking by age 32. Pack years smoked was lower amongst male smokers with better breath-holding ability at age 32. Discussion: While the cross-sectional finding in males was consistent with the hypothesis that those with more tolerance for breath holding would be more successful at quitting, there was no long-term effect to age 32. On the other hand, breath-holding was associated with reduced intake over time in males. A behavioural mechanism whereby longer breath holders smoke less because of a greater tolerance for the physical discomfort associated with intervals between cigarettes is consistent with these findings.