Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Smoking classification
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Smoking may be classified as heavy and non-heavy, depending on the number of cigarettes consumed per day. Smokers can also be classified with respect to duration as acute or chronic smokers.
Classification
Classification
Smoking and smokers can be classified with respect to quantity and the duration of smoking.
Quantity
Smoking may be classified based on the number of cigarettes per day multiplied by the duration of smoking as years (pack per year) to:
- Heavy smokers
- More than 20 packs per year (p/y)
- Non-heavy smokers
- Less than 20 p/y
Duration
With respect to the duration of smoking, smokers can be classified as:
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]