Dr. P Vijay Anand Reddy

Hyderabad: Respiratory diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, Tobacco Tobacco use or exposure to tobacco smoke has a life-long negative impact on health. Globally, the tobacco epidemic is one of the largest epidemics public health Danger. Tobacco kills one person every four seconds! Eight million deaths are caused by tobacco every year, and one million deaths are caused by tobacco second hand smoke exposure.

In India, tobacco use is one of the leading causes of death and disease, causing approximately 1.35 million deaths each year. India is also the second largest consumer and producer of tobacco.

The number of deaths from tobacco-related respiratory diseases is alarming. But even more worrying is the enormous suffering these diseases cause, which severely impact the quality of life of people of all ages worldwide.

Tobacco, in any form, poses a serious threat to the human body. Lung health For everyone, not just smokers. The harmful effects of tobacco smoking and secondhand smoke are significant risk factors for diseases such as lung cancer, COPD, TB and asthma.

It’s sad to think that children may be facing the ill effects of exposure to tobacco smoke before they even take their first steps. Babies born to mothers who smoke or who are exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy are at risk of impaired lung development and function. The effects of parental smoking on children’s lung function can lead to long-term respiratory problems in adulthood. It’s important to consider the lasting effects of tobacco smoke on lung development, as inhaling toxins can impede development and cause irreversible damage.

Tobacco Control The focus should be global: despite a reduction in current tobacco smoking rates from 27 percent to 20 percent between 2000 and 2016, efforts to reduce tobacco consumption are not progressing at the desired pace set by global agreements of a 30 percent reduction by 2025. If current trends continue, it is estimated that the world will only achieve a 22 percent reduction by the target year.

The most worrying diseases associated with smoking:

lung cancer: Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, resulting in approximately 1.2 million deaths each year, accounting for nearly 90 percent of lung cancer cases. Smokers are 22 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. Those who are exposed to secondhand smoke have a 30 percent increased risk of lung cancer. It is interesting to note that after a decade of abstinence from tobacco, the risk of developing lung cancer is halved.

It is important to acknowledge that exposure to tobacco smoke does not eliminate any risk. The most effective strategy to improve lung health globally is to reduce tobacco consumption and limit exposure to tobacco smoke.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): An obstructive lung disease that causes difficulty breathing.

Heart disease: Smoking can cause narrowing and blockages in your arteries, which means oxygen flow to your heart will be reduced.

Stroke: Smoking affects your arteries, and thus it can trigger a stroke.

Asthma: A chronic lung disease that makes it hard for air to move in and out of your lungs.

Reproductive health: Smoking can cause a fertilized egg to implant somewhere other than the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).

before time, low birth weight babiesSmoking affects not only the health of the parents but also the health of the baby.

Diabetes: Smokers are 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than nonsmokers.

Eye diseases: Smoking can make a person blind; it damages the eyes, resulting in loss of vision.

It is always advisable to consider stopping tobacco use to minimize the damage that tobacco smoke can cause to the lungs. It is important to take this step immediately to avoid developing chronic lung disease, which may be irreversible. Improvements in lung function can be seen within as little as two weeks of quitting tobacco use. For individuals suffering from lung disease, quitting smoking is associated with better treatment outcomes and an overall better quality of life.

some suggestions quit smoking,

1. Try nicotine replacement therapy.

Avoid triggers.

3. Physical activity can help you distract yourself from tobacco cravings.

4. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or listening to music.

5. Keep reminding yourself of its benefits.

Please keep in mind that making an effort to overcome the temptation to consume tobacco is more beneficial than inaction. Furthermore, every instance of resisting tobacco cravings brings you closer to achieving a tobacco-free lifestyle.

This article is written by Dr. P Vijay Anand Reddy, Director, Senior Consultant Oncologist, Professor, Head, Radiation Oncology. Apollo Cancer CentreHyderabad

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor. Roche makes no representations regarding any treatment action or drug application through this educational effort and therefore shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages resulting therefrom. Please consult your treating physician for any further advice and treatment.

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