Home > Respiratory System > Respiratory System of the Head and Neck > Larynx. The larynx is a tough, flexible segment of the respiratory tract connecting the pharynx to the trachea in the neck. It plays a vital role in the respiratory tract by allowing air to pass through it while keeping food and drink from blocking the airway.
Common side effects from nicotine gum include bleeding gums, too much saliva, hiccups, indigestion, slight swelling of the mouth, injury to teeth or cheeks, nausea, upset stomach and sore throat. Less common or rare side effects may include diarrhea, dry mouth, swollen gums, sores in the tongue/throat/mouth, muscle pain, rashes and sweating.
Nicotine replacement therapy works best when used in conjunction with a support program, such as counseling, group therapy, or behavioral therapy. Nicotine chewing gum, if chewed correctly, increases quit rates up to 2-fold. At 1 year, the abstinence rate with the patch is 20%. At 4 years, the abstinence rate is 12.4%, as opposed to 4.5% with placebo. Nicotine patches are sold under various trade names (see below).