Smoking is harmful to our health as well as to those who come in contact with it. Tobacco use gives rise to harmful health effects and disabilities that affect our body organs. According to a report by the World Health Organization published in 2022, approximately 7 million people worldwide suffer from smoking, while another 1.2 million suffer from second hand smoking.Also read – There are no laboratory confirmed monkeypox cases in India as all the samples have been referred to Pune virology test negative.
Smoking causes a number of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It also increases the risk of tuberculosis and eye diseases. Also read – Monkeypox a major threat to young children, ICMR warns; WHO releases key facts about the disease | Details inside
Every year, World No Tobacco Day is observed to raise awareness about the harmful health effects of smoking and to motivate people to quit smoking and use tobacco for a healthy self and safe community. Also read – Smoking affects male and female reproductive health, the doctor explains
Dr. Madhuchanda KarThe Clinical Director, Department of Oncology, Peerless Hospital and BK Roy Research Center Ltd., Kolkata talks about 5 reasons why experts advise people to quit smoking:
- Protects your lungs: Smoking has a direct effect on our lungs. It has the potential to damage our airways and small air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. Various lung disorders, such as COPD, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, are exacerbated by smoking. For people with asthma, smoking is harmful because it can provoke an attack. Quitting smoking can help a person get a healthy lung with good breathing ability.
- Beneficial for reproductive health: Tobacco use can cause problems during pregnancy and while conceiving a baby. Tobacco use during pregnancy can damage the unborn baby, especially their lungs and brain which can lead to sudden miscarriage. Quitting smoking reduces the chances of preterm delivery, and eliminates the negative effects of smoking on fetal development and the risk of giving birth to a low birth weight baby.
- Improves our sense of taste and smell: Smoking causes inflammation in the body resulting in swelling of taste and odor receptors. Both active and passive smoking affect the sensory organs of our body and disrupt the perception of smell. But this change in sensation is temporary, it comes back to normal after quitting smoking.
- Increase physical activity: Smoking has long-term consequences on physical activity. When a person smokes, our heart, lungs and muscles get less oxygen. As a result, physical fitness decreases. Smoking also causes inflammation in the bones and joints, which can lead to various health problems such as osteoporosis. Quitting smoking can be beneficial in regaining physical health.
- Saves our near and dear ones: Smoking affects not only smokers, but also passive smokers. Adults who are exposed to secondhand smoke have an equal risk of health problems. Sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disorders, severe asthma, respiratory problems and slow lung growth are some of the associated risks for children exposed to second hand smoking. Quitting smoking can prevent the adverse effects of passive smoking on others.
Quitting smoking is the first step towards a healthy and active lifestyle. It can reduce the risk of various diseases in smokers and others who come in contact with it. Individuals can seek expert advice on tips for quitting smoking or reducing tobacco use, which are approved by the health authorities.
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