Each year, May 31st marks Anti-Tobacco Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the detrimental health effects of tobacco use and advocating for policies that promote tobacco control. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of tobacco on individuals, communities, and society at large. From respiratory diseases to cardiovascular problems, tobacco consumption remains a leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Anti-Tobacco Day campaigns seek to empower individuals to make informed choices and support efforts to reduce tobacco consumption through education, legislation, and public health interventions. As we observe Anti-Tobacco Day, it prompts reflection on the ongoing challenges and collective responsibility in combating this persistent global health issue.
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“Tobacco use has profound and detrimental effects on oral health, leading to a range of issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancers, and bad breath. The chemicals in tobacco products, including nicotine, tar, and other carcinogens, contribute to these oral health problems in various ways. The chemicals in tobacco can impair blood flow to the gums, reducing the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen, which hampers the gums’ ability to heal.
Smoking also affects the body’s immune response, making it harder to fight off infections, which can exacerbate gum disease. This can lead to symptoms such as swollen, bleeding gums, and in severe cases, tooth loss.
Tobacco use contributes to an increase in plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. The sticky substances in tobacco can promote the growth of bacteria, leading to cavities and tooth decay. Smokers often experience dry mouth (xerostomia), which reduces saliva production. Saliva is crucial for neutralizing acids.” attributed by Dr. Kamlesh Kothari, Dental Implant Specialist, Cosmetic Dentist and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Kolkata, founder, and Clinical Director of Aesthetica
“Tobacco use is a ticking time bomb for your health, causing long-term damage across various organ systems. Here’s a breakdown of some specific diseases linked to tobacco use:
Lungs: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive condition characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction, is a major culprit. This leads to symptoms like chronic cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, significantly impacting your quality of life. Additionally, tobacco use weakens lung defenses, making you more susceptible to lung infections like pneumonia tuberculosis, lung cancer.
Heart: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases inflammation, raising your risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). This can manifest as angina (chest pain) and eventually lead to heart attacks.
Brain: Stroke, another major cardiovascular threat, is also highly associated with tobacco use. It occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain, causing brain damage and potential paralysis.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): another concern, where narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the legs and feet, causing pain, cramping, and even non-healing wounds.
Cancer: Tobacco use is a leading cause of numerous cancers, not just lung cancer. It’s a major culprit in cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus (the tube connecting your throat to your stomach), bladder, kidneys, pancreas, and even leukemia (blood cancer).
Other Health Issues: tobacco/weakens the immune system, making you more prone to infections like the flu and common colds. It can also contribute to osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk. Diabetes risk is also elevated with tobacco use. Pregnant women who use tobacco expose their unborn babies to various health risks, including premature birth and low birth weight. The negative effects extend to your appearance, as smoking accelerates skin aging and wrinkles.
Quitting smoking at any point, even after years of use, can significantly improve your health and lifespan. Talk to your doctor about quitting strategies and resources available to help you on the path to a smoke-free life.” attributed by Dr. Shrey Srivastava – General Physician, Sharda hospital.
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“Tobacco in any form can have terrible effects on the teeth and the entire oral cavity. Long-term smoking is a major cause of oral cancer in the world. Also, smokers end up having bad gums. Gingivitis which is an infection in the gums and swollen bleeding gums is very common with smokers which further leads to the loss of gums and tooth loss. Tobacco chewers further face attrition of the teeth and loss of enamel leading to sensitivity. The most common side effect even with short-term use of tobacco in any form is staining leading to pits and caries on the tooth structure.” stated by Dr Gunita Singh, Cosmetic and Laser dental surgeon of Dentem, The Dental and Orthodontic Clinic.
“Use of tobacco can have intense health consequences, especially long-term. It will reduce ten years in overall life expectancy. Tobacco stands out to be the leading cause for various chronic diseases as its consumption significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, contributing to 85% of lung cancer. Tobacco also causes almost fifteen cancers including mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, and kidneys. Other major concerns with tobacco usage is significant increase in coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. The chemicals in tobacco damages the blood vessels by hardening the arteries leading to atherosclerosis. Contents of a cigarette weaken our immune system, increases the risks of pulmonary infections leading to Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Tobacco can cause serious harm to pregnant women and their unborn children, leading to premature births, low birth weight, and developmental issues. Non-smokers who are exposed to tobacco; that is secondhand smokers also face serious health risks similar to the ones smokers face. On the whole, tobacco consumption has been, and still remains a major self and public health issue factor with severe and lasting health impacts.” stated by Dr M A Raja Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology Director, Oncology Services
“Tobacco use is a major global health concern with numerous long-term impacts on health. The most prominent consequence is an increased risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer, which accounts for about 85% of all lung cancer cases. Smokers are also at higher risk for cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, and kidneys.
Cardiovascular diseases are another significant outcome, with smoking being a leading cause of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Nicotine and other harmful substances in tobacco damage blood vessels, elevate blood pressure, and reduce oxygen supply, contributing to these conditions.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is another severe impact, causing long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. Tobacco smoke destroys lung tissue and causes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Furthermore, smoking impairs immune function, making smokers more susceptible to infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
The impact extends beyond the smoker. Secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and asthma in children, and cardiovascular diseases in adults.
In summary, tobacco use severely affects multiple body systems, leading to cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and weakened immune responses, causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Quitting smoking greatly reduces these risks and improves overall health.” remarked by Dr. Kumardeep Dutta Choudhury, Senior Consultant and Unit Head, Department of Medical Oncology, Action Cancer Institute, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi
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“Smoking is a ticking time bomb that can wreak havoc on our bodies in various ways. The harmful effects of smoking depend on the duration, number of cigarettes, and associated health conditions, which can lead to a plethora of health problems.
Smoking can lead to cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and even cancer. Tobacco contains carcinogenic substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines, which can increase the risk of head and neck cancers, including oral cavity and oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx.
Warns that tobacco chewing can also lead to fibrosis, oral submucous fibrosis, and difficulty in opening the mouth due to fibrous bands. Moreover, smoking can worsen laryngitis, cause polypoid changes in the larynx, and lead to bronchitis and exacerbation of asthma. Ear infections and hearing loss are also linked to smoking, particularly in children exposed to parental smoking.
The harmful effects of smoking don’t stop there. It can also affect the nose and paranasal sinuses, leading to rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. Tobacco smoke can irritate the nerves related to smell, resulting in decreased smell sensation, which can reverse once smoking is stopped.
Emphasizes that stopping smoking can significantly improve mucociliary function and overall health. She urges parents to be cautious and avoid smoking in front of their children or quit the habit altogether.
“I have seen patients having devastating effects of smoking and pan chewing on patients, like mucositis, oral submucous fibrosis, and oral cancer caused by pan chewing. She stresses the importance of raising awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and encouraging people to quit the habit to live a healthier, smoke-free life.”
In summary, tobacco chewing and smoking leads to various diseases, interferes with quality of life, and can have long-term health impacts, including:
– Rhinosinusitis
– Bronchitis
– Exacerbation of asthma
– Bronchiectasis
– Stroke
– Atherosclerosis
– Cancer of the head and neck
– Lung cancer
– Hypertension
– Cardiovascular Diseases”
remarked by Dr. Sunitha Madhavan
“It is important that we must educate our communities, particularly the youth, about the dangers of tobacco and the tactics of the tobacco industry. The economic burden of these diseases is immense, straining healthcare systems and reducing productivity. Tobacco use dramatically increases the chances of developing serious lung diseases. As per the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion studies, smokers have an 85% chance of developing COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a 25% chance of developing asthma, and a 15% chance of developing lung cancer. These sobering statistics highlight the critical need for tobacco cessation and prevention efforts.
Furthur, the tobacco industry continues to innovate and market new products, such as heated tobacco products and flavored items, to attract new users and retain existing ones. The rise of e-cigarettes, nicotine patches, lozenges are often presented as safer alternatives, misleading consumers about their health risks. The introduction of flavors, especially, is a tactic aimed at making tobacco more appealing to young people, masking the harsh taste and making initiation easier. Several WHO studies have indicated that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products contain fewer carcinogens but are not completely risk-free. In fact, e-cigarette use increases conventional use of cigarettes, particularly among non-smoking youth, by nearly three-times.
It is crucial to remember that every small effort can make a significant impact. Quitting smoking completely is the most impactful step one can take, yielding immediate health benefits such as improved lung function and reduced risk of asthma, COPD and heart disease. Beyond personal health, spreading awareness on social media, advocating for stronger tobacco control policies, and supporting those trying to quit are essential actions.” remarked by Aniruddha Rajurkar, CEO, SAVA Healthcare Limited
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