A Long Puff: The effects of Tabbaco on the body

Cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, hookah tobacco, and other items are made from the dried and cured leaves of the tobacco plant. When tobacco is smoked or chewed, nicotine, a highly addictive component, is released into the bloodstream, damaging the brain's reward system. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 other chemicals that smokers inhale in addition to nicotine. Tobacco leaves are burned to create the majority of these chemicals.

The number of disorders, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, cancer (especially lung cancer), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and TB are significantly increased by tobacco use. With almost 8 million fatalities per year, it is the world's greatest cause of avoidable deaths.

Relation of tobacco with body:

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The use of tobacco, in any form, has severe repercussions on the body, affecting numerous organ systems and causing a range of health issues. Examining how tobacco impacts the lungs, mouth, fertility, and overall well-being provides insight into its detrimental effects:

Lungs:

Lung cancer: Smoking, responsible for approximately 90% of cases, introduces carcinogens that harm lung cells, fostering uncontrolled growth and the development of tumors.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Tobacco smoke irritates and inflames airways, narrowing them progressively and compromising lung function, leading to diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Other lung problems: Smoking elevates the risk of pneumonia, tuberculosis, and pulmonary fibrosis, resulting in scarring of lung tissue.

Mouth:

Oral cancer: A significant risk factor for cancers affecting the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat.
Gum disease: Smoking weakens the immune system, causing damage to gum tissue and contributing to severe gum disease (periodontitis), which can lead to tooth and bone loss.
Bad breath: The chemicals in tobacco create an unpleasant odor in the mouth, contributing to chronic bad breath.
Stained teeth: Discoloration and yellowing of teeth are common consequences of tobacco use.

Fertility:

Men: Smoking can reduce sperm count and motility, leading to difficulties in conception, as well as erectile dysfunction.
Women: Harmful effects on eggs and hormone production make it challenging to conceive, increasing the likelihood of miscarriage and premature birth.

Whole Body Effects:

Heart disease: Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and elevates cholesterol levels, contributing to heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
Diabetes: Interference with insulin production makes it challenging for the body to control blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Weakened immune system: Smoking suppresses the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
Premature aging: Smoking accelerates the aging process, manifesting in wrinkles, hair loss, and other signs of early aging.
Loss of taste and smell: Tobacco use dulls the sense of taste and smell, diminishing the ability to enjoy food and the surrounding environment.

Mechanism of action of tobacco:

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Addiction:

Nicotine Interaction: Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in crucial brain regions like the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), activating the reward system.
Dopamine Release: This activation leads to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, inducing feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Desensitization: Repeated nicotine exposure causes desensitization of nAChRs, necessitating increased nicotine intake to achieve the same pleasurable effects, fostering cravings and addiction.

Lung Damage:

Chemical Composition: Tobacco smoke comprises over 7,000 chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and various carcinogens.
Airway Irritation: These chemicals irritate and inflame airways, resulting in chronic inflammation and damage to the lungs.
Long-Term Effects: Prolonged exposure leads to conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema.

Cardiovascular Effects:

Nicotine Stimulation: Nicotine stimulates adrenal glands to release adrenaline, elevating heart rate and blood pressure.
Carbon Monoxide Impact: Carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke binds to red blood cells, diminishing their oxygen-carrying capacity, placing additional strain on the heart.
Contributions to Cardiovascular Diseases: These effects contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Cancer:

DNA Damage: Carcinogens in tobacco smoke damage DNA in cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors.
Primary Mechanism: This process is the primary mechanism underlying tobacco-related cancers, including lung, oral, and bladder cancers.

Other Health Effects:

Immune System Weakening: Tobacco use weakens the immune system, heightening susceptibility to infections and illnesses.
Impact on Digestion, Fertility, and Bone Health: Tobacco use can adversely affect digestion, fertility, and bone health.
Premature Aging and Aesthetic Impact: Smoking contributes to premature aging, negatively impacting the skin, hair, and teeth.

Helplines

National Toll-Free Quitline:

1800-22-77-87: Launched in 2023, this dedicated quitline provides free one-on-one counselling and support from trained professionals. They offer help with quitting tobacco use in all forms, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and hookah. The service is available in Hindi, English, and other regional languages.

State-level Helpline Numbers:

Many states in India have tobacco cessation helplines. You can find a list of these numbers on the website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW): https://ntcp.mohfw.gov.in/

Mobile Apps:

Several mobile apps offer resources and support for quitting tobacco. Some popular options in India include:
QuitNow India: https://quitnow.app/en
Kick the Stick: https://www.stickk.com/
Stay Quit: https://mobile.va.gov/app/stay-quit-coach

History of tobacco and cigarettes:

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Let's learn about some of the history of tobacco and cigarettes:

Ancient Beginnings:

Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica and South America cultivated tobacco around 5000-3000 BC for religious and medicinal purposes, using it in various forms. Europe Encounters a New Leaf.
Christopher Columbus introduced tobacco to Europe in 1492, initially celebrated for its medicinal properties. Tobacco use surged in Europe during the 16th-17th centuries.

Birth of the Cigarette:

Cigarettes appeared in Mexico and Central America in the early 17th century, spreading to Spain. The invention of the cigarette-rolling machine in 1880 revolutionized mass production.

The 20th Century: Boom and Bust

Early 20th-century cigarette advertising glamorized smoking. Medical research in the mid-20th century linked smoking to health issues, leading to anti-smoking campaigns.

The Present and Beyond:

Despite declining smoking rates and increased awareness of health risks, tobacco use remains a global crisis. Efforts focus on education, prevention, and treatment.

Interesting Tidbits:

The origin of the word "cigarette" is unclear, possibly derived from the French "sigaret" or the Spanish "cigarrito."
Cigarettes were included in soldiers' rations during World Wars I and II, reinforcing their association with masculinity and military life.
The American Tobacco Company, once a powerful monopoly, was dismantled in 1998 following a landmark settlement with 46 states over racketeering and deceptive marketing practices.

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