This blog will discuss some bad health effects of tobacco on health.
The second-largest producer and consumer of tobacco is India. It has a wide range of products made from tobacco which are readily accessible at comparatively affordable prices. WHO has calculated 267 million adults of 15 years and above that use tobacco.
Smokeless tobacco is the most commonly used form in India including betel quid with zarda and tobacco. Smoking forms like cigarette and hookah are forms of tobacco. Tobacco can pose certain major health risks for many chronic diseases including lung disease, cancer, CVS disease and stroke.
Tobacco kills millions of people globally every year and is continuing its wrath.
Below given are some of the conditions and diseases that are associated with the use of tobacco.
Respiratory Disorders and Lung Cancer
One of the most commonly known health effects of tobacco is the increased risk of having lung cancer. Smoking form of tobacco causes 85% of cases of lung cancer. There is a substance present in tobacco smoke that can gradually cause cancer and deteriorate the lung tissue, it, therefore, causes the growth of malignant tumours. Smoking can also cause several respiratory abnormalities that can impair your lung functions significantly and can lower your life’s quality. These may include COPD- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
Cardiovascular Disorders
The cardiovascular system can be seriously harmed by tobacco. It raises PVD- peripheral vascular disease, stroke and other heart diseases risk. Your blood vessel's lining can also get damaged due to the toxic compounds present in cigarette smoke. This may cause atherosclerosis (constriction and hardening of arteries) and can also lower the blood flow to the organs. Nicotine is an addictive substance present in cigarettes. It can cause high blood pressure and high pulse rate. Nicotine also puts additional strain on your CVS. Quitting smoking can quite decrease heart disease risk and can help enhance cardiovascular health in general.
Oral Health Issues
Smoking can increase the risk of developing oral cancer, which might include malignancies of the tongue, lips, gums and throat. It can contribute development of some periodontal diseases as well, it is characterised by inflammation and infection of gums, resorption of bone, and tooth loss.
Tooth discolouration can also be caused by smoking. It might also cause halitosis (chronic bad breathe), and increased dental infections risk. Betel nut chewing can be associated with oral cancer risk. Betel nut (areca nut), is basically a seed that is chewed with other ingredients including slaked lime, betel leaf, and tobacco.
Cancer in Other Parts of the Body
Cigarette use can cause other types of cancers as well. Smokers especially have a greater risk of developing cancers in various organs, including the larynx, oesophagus, bladder, pancreas, kidney, stomach and cervix. Secondhand or passive smoke exposure can also be a serious issue as it can elevate lung cancer incidence risk and other tobacco-associated cancers in non-smokers.
Reproductive Issues
Tobacco consumption can significantly affect the reproductive health of both women and men. Increased risk of having frequent miscarriages, premature delivery or early birth, low birth weight, stillbirths, and reduced fertility in both genders is also associated with tobacco use. Smoking when you are pregnant can expose the growing foetus to the dangers substances present in tobacco. These substances can pose long-term impacts on your child’s health.
Skin Damage and Ageing
Skin health can be affected by the use of tobacco, which can speed up the ageing process. Smoking can cause wrinkles, sagging and fine lines appearance on your skin. This makes people look more aged than they are. Tobacco smoking can also deprive your skin of certain essential nutrients and oxygen. This might impair the wound healing process and can cause increased skin dryness and dull complexion.
