Tobacco smoke is harmful for health. There’s no safe level of tobacco use or a safer way to smoke. Smoking tobacco causes exposure to various mixture of toxic chemicals and has a very harmful affect on human health.
What is Tobacco?
Tobacco – a plant that is grown for its leaves, which are then dried and fermented before being used in tobacco products contains nicotine, an ingredient that can lead to addiction. Nicotine is a mind-altering drug that speeds up activity in our nervous system, which is why people who use tobacco find it difficult to quit. There are also many other potentially harmful chemicals found in tobacco or created while burning it, that cause harm to health.
Harmful instances in which Tobacco is used:
Tobacco can be consumed in various forms that can damage health in the long run. People can chew, sniff or smoke tobacco. Smoked tobacco products include but are not limited to cigarettes, cigars, bidis, and kreteks. Some people also smoke loose tobacco in a pipe or hookah (water pipe, Narghille).
Does Tobacco affect the brain?
Yes, tobacco affects the brain. Since the nicotine in tobacco is quickly and readily absorbed into the blood, on entering the blood, nicotine immediately releases the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) which is stimulated by the adrenal glands. The released hormone (Epinephrine) stimulates the central nervous system and increases breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Effects on Health of Tobacco Use
Most of the severe health effects of tobacco use come from other chemicals even though tobacco is more addictive. Tobacco smoking can lead to harmful effects such as lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It increases the risk of heart-related diseases, which could lead to stroke or attack.
It also causes Type 2 Diabetes including poor blood flow to legs and can lead to infections, if prolonged this can result in amputation of the leg.
Besides the above, the use of tobacco is also linked to, leukaemia, pneumonia, cataracts, and other cancers. Among all the types of cancers, lung and oral cancer carry the highest risk.
Smoking also causes Rheumatoid arthritis, which is a joint deformity, this is very much common in women.
Does smoking tobacco affect Pregnant women?
Yes, women who smoke cigarettes and are pregnant carry an increased risk of miscarriage, stillborn or premature infants. Learning and behavioural problems can be a challenge to the unborn child.
Not only smokers but passive smokers are at a risk too.
Treatment for Tobacco (Nicotine) Addiction
Behavioural treatments and medications can help people quit smoking. There is also something called known as Nicotine Replacement Therapies which deliver a controlled dose of nicotine to relieve symptoms while a person is trying to quit smoking.
Here are a few facts you’d like to know about Smoking:
● The life expectancy of a smoker is less compared to that of a non-smoker.
● Cigarettes smoke contains around 7000 chemicals, out of which roundabout 70-80 chemicals are known to cause various types of cancer.
● The risk of developing cancer in a smoker is 10 times more compared to a normal person.
● Smokers start at the age of 18. This is very disturbing.
● There are around more than 2000 young adults who turn into daily smokers each day.
● Smoking and use of Tobacco cause more than 5 million deaths per year around the globe.
● Smokers inhale 1 mg of nicotine in a single cigarette.
Seek support from family members, and friends to quit this ugly habit as early as possible. If quitting seems difficult and you notice symptoms that could deteriorate your health, Talk to us, we are here to be the best health care providers in Bangalore.