New Delhi: Tobacco is nothing new to us. It has been with humanity for more than 400 years and is smoked, chewed, or used as a snuff all over the globe in defiance of its fatal symptoms. Tobacco because of its compelling nature and easy availability is spreading like a virus and children are no exception. In light of the above issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on 31st May every year. For 2024, the theme is ‘Protecting children from tobacco industry interference’ as per WHO.
How does chewing or smoking tobacco affect health?
Dr. Kaushik Manna, Consultant – Cardiology at Narayana Hospital R N Tagore Hospital Mukundapur Tobacco’s impact on cardiovascular health is profound. It increases heart rate, tightens major arteries, and can create an irregular heart rhythm, all of which make the heart work under stress. Chemicals in tobacco also damage the lining of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of plaque, which can result in heart attacks and strokes.
The lethal clinical indications of Tobacco include a persistent cough and bad breath, shortness of breath, chest pain, increased phlegm production, reduced sense of smell and taste, yellowing of nails and teeth leading to increased risks of oral cancer, lung cancer, bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and asthma among other cancers. In the formal context, the need to control tobacco and its products among youth and adults is profoundly highlighted.
“Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide and nicotine, which increase the heart’s workload and decrease its efficiency. Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in red blood cells, reducing their oxygen-carrying capacity. Nicotine increases blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to hypertension. This combination of effects significantly raises the risk of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Individuals with a family history of heart disease, those who have hypertension or diabetes, and smokers of all ages are at increased risk.” added Dr. Samir Kubba, Director – Cardiology, Dharamshila Narayana Hospital.
Around the world, governments and anti-tobacco organizations are enforcing strict policies and regulations like Tobacco taxes, nicotine replacement therapy, and health warning labels along with education programs and community interventions to combat tobacco use. WHO emphasises providing a global platform for raising the voices of young people urging governments to safeguard them from being nicotine and tobacco targets.
Dr. Shweta Bansal, Senior Consultant in Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, explained that tobacco smoke is a major factor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This progressive illness narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult. The tar in tobacco smoke damages the cilia, small hair-like structures in the lungs that clear out mucus and dirt, leading to chronic bronchitis and a higher risk of infections. Those at the highest risk include long-term smokers, individuals with a history of asthma, and people exposed to secondhand smoke. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to focus on prevention, provide early cessation support, and enforce stringent policies on tobacco advertising.
World No Tobacco Day: Dr. Kaushik Manna, Consultant – Cardiology at Narayana Hospital R N Tagore Hospital Mukundapur Tobacco’s impact on cardiovascular health is profound. It increases heart rate, tightens major arteries, and can create an irregular heart rhythm, all of which make the heart work under stress. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
