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Active smoking; Health; Mental health; Second hand smoke

Introduction

Active smoking, the act of inhaling and exhaling smoke produced by burning tobacco products, remains one of the most prevalent and avoidable public health challenges worldwide. Despite widespread knowledge of its detrimental effects, smoking continues to be a major cause of preventable diseases and premature deaths. This article provides a comprehensive review of the health consequences associated with active smoking, shedding light on the urgent need for tobacco control policies and smoking cessation efforts [1-3].

Nicotine dependence occurs when you need nicotine and can't stop using it. Nicotine is the chemical in tobacco that makes it hard to quit. Nicotine produces pleasing effects in your brain, but these effects are temporary. So you reach for another cigarette.

The more you smoke the more nicotine you need to feel good. When you try to stop, you experience unpleasant mental and physical changes. These are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Regardless of how long you've smoked, stopping can improve your health. It isn't easy but you can break your dependence on nicotine. Many effective treatments are available. Ask your doctor for help [4].

Symptoms

You can't stop smoking: You've made one or more serious, but unsuccessful, attempts to stop.

You have withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop: Your attempts at stopping have caused physical and mood-related symptoms, such as strong cravings, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, depressed mood, frustration, anger, increased hunger, insomnia, constipation or diarrhoea.

You keep smoking despite health problems: Even though you've developed health problems with your lungs or your heart, you haven't been able to stop.

You give up social activities: You may stop going to smoke-free restaurants or stop socializing with family or friends because you can't smoke in these situations [5-8].

The chemistry of smoking

Tobacco smoke is a complex mixture of thousands of chemicals, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and numerous carcinogens. When inhaled, these substances quickly enter the bloodstream, affecting almost every organ system in the body.

Respiratory system: The respiratory system is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of active smoking. Smokers are at a significantly higher risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Smoking damages the lung tissues, reduces lung function, and impairs the body's natural defines mechanisms against respiratory infections.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, a group of progressive lung diseases that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It damages the airways and lung tissues, leading to difficulty breathing and a persistent cough.

Lung cancer: Smoking is the primary risk factor for lung cancer, responsible for around 85% of all cases. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke damage lung cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

Increased Risk of Respiratory Infections: Smoking weakens the immune system in the lungs, making smokers more susceptible to respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis.

Cardiovascular system: Smoking is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. The toxic components in tobacco smoke promote the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, reduce oxygen supply to the heart, and increase blood clotting, all of which contribute to cardiovascular events [9-11].

Heart disease: Active smoking significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart-related death. The toxins in tobacco smoke promote the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to the heart.

Stroke: Smoking raises the risk of ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel supplying the brain, leading to a sudden loss of brain function.

Cancer: Perhaps one of the most well-known consequences of smoking is its link to various types of cancer. Lung cancer is the most notorious, but smoking is also associated with cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix, among others. Tobacco smoke contains potent carcinogens that damage DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

Apart from lung cancer, smoking is associated with various other cancers, including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix, and stomach. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke can damage DNA and increase the likelihood of cancer development in different organs.

Reproductive health: Active smoking has a profound impact on reproductive health for both men and women. In women, smoking can lead to reduced fertility, ectopic pregnancies, and complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. In men, smoking is linked to decreased sperm quality and increased risk of erectile dysfunction.

Women who smoke have a higher risk of fertility issues, miscarriage, and complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth and low birth weight babies. Smoking during pregnancy can also harm the baby's health and development [12-14].

In men, smoking is linked to reduced sperm quality, which can impact fertility.

Mental health: Emerging research indicates a correlation between smoking and mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, it is evident that smoking is not merely a habit but often a coping mechanism for individuals facing psychological distress.

Studies suggest a potential link between smoking and mental health disorders, with smokers being at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Oral health: Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease (periodontitis), leading to tooth loss and oral health issues.

Second hand smoke: It's important to note that active smoking doesn't just harm the individual smoker; it also poses significant risks to those exposed to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke contains many of the same toxic chemicals found in mainstream smoke and can lead to respiratory issues and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in children and non-smoking adults.

The effect of active smoking, which refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling smoke from burning tobacco products, has wide-ranging consequences on both the smoker's health and those exposed to secondhand smoke.

Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of respiratory problems, heart disease, and lung cancer.

Premature death: Smoking is a significant contributor to premature death. On average, smokers die about 10 years earlier than non-smokers [15].

Active smoking has devastating effects on various aspects of health, leading to a range of chronic and life-threatening conditions. Given the well-established risks associated with smoking, promoting smoking cessation efforts and implementing effective tobacco control policies are essential to reducing the burden of smoking-related diseases and improving public health. Additionally, protecting non-smokers from secondhand smoke exposure is crucial for safeguarding their health.

Conclusion

The evidence overwhelmingly supports the notion that active smoking is a major public health concern with devastating consequences on both individuals and society as a whole. The staggering impact on respiratory health, cardiovascular well-being, cancer risk, and reproductive health emphasizes the urgent need for widespread smoking cessation initiatives and strict tobacco control policies. By educating the public about the detrimental effects of smoking and providing effective support for quitting, we can make significant strides toward reducing the burden of smoking-related diseases and creating a healthier future for all.

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