Smoking is a habit that affects millions of people around the world. Knowing the risks and how to quit is key to improving public health. This article looks at the dangers of smoking and how to stop for good.
The Prevalence of Smoking
Smoking is a global health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 1.1 billion people smoke worldwide. It crosses age, gender and socio-economic status, although certain demographics like young adults and lower income groups have higher smoking rates.
Health Risks of Smoking
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Respiratory Diseases
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, with approximately 90% of cases attributed to it. Symptoms include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is a group of lung diseases that obstruct airflow and make breathing hard. Smoking is the main cause of COPD with 90% of cases due to it. Symptoms are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the biggest killer of smoking. Smokers are 15-30 times more likely to get lung cancer than non smokers. It’s the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide so tobacco is a big risk.
Cardiovascular Diseases
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Heart Disease
Smoking damages blood vessels and causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This can lead to heart attacks and smokers are 2-4 times more likely to get coronary heart disease.
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Stroke
Smoking increases the risk of stroke due to the effect of tobacco on blood pressure and blood vessels. Smokers are twice more likely to get stroke than non smokers.
Other Cancers
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Mouth and Throat Cancer
Tobacco smoke affects the mouth, throat and esophagus and causes cancers in these areas. The carcinogens in smoke are directly exposed to these tissues and causes mutations.
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Bladder Cancer
Carcinogens from tobacco are absorbed into the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys and accumulates in the bladder and causes bladder cancer.
Other Health Issues
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Diabetes
Smoking increases insulin resistance making it harder to control blood sugar levels. Smokers are 30-40% more likely to get type 2 diabetes than non smokers.
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Immune System Compromise
Smoking weakens the immune system and makes smokers more prone to infections like pneumonia and influenza.
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Reproductive Issues
In men, smoking can cause ED and low sperm count. In women, it can cause complications during pregnancy and infertility.
The Impact of Secondhand Smoke
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Effects on Non-Smokers
Secondhand smoke has over 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and 70 that can cause cancer. Non smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory infections.
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Effects on Children and Pregnant Women
Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to get SIDS, asthma and ear infections. Pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight.
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Economic Costs of Smoking
Smoking related illnesses are a huge burden to the healthcare system worldwide. In the US alone, smoking related healthcare cost is over $300 billion a year.
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Loss of Productivity
Smoking causes absenteeism and decreased productivity in the workplace. The economic loss due to reduced workforce efficiency is huge and adds to the financial burden of smoking.
Psychological and Social Effects of Smoking
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Addiction and Dependence
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and causes physical and psychological dependence. Smokers struggle with cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit.
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Social Stigma
The perception of smoking has changed, more people now know the dangers of smoking. Smokers may face social stigma, feeling judged or ostracized in public and social settings.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
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Immediate Health Benefits
Within 20 minutes of stopping, heart rate and blood pressure drops. Within 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood returns to normal. These instant benefits show how fast the body starts to heal.
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Long-term Health Benefits
Long term benefits of stopping includes reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. Ex smokers can regain years of life and live healthier.
Common Methods to Quit Smoking
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
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Types of NRT
NRT products includes patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray and inhalers. These products help reduce withdrawal symptoms by giving a low dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes.
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Effectiveness
Studies show NRT can double your chances of quitting when used correctly. It helps transition you away from smoking by tackling the physical addiction to nicotine.
Prescription Medications
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Varenicline
Varenicline (Chantix) works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It’s proven to work for smokers.
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Bupropion
Bupropion (Zyban) is an antidepressant that also reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Another option for smokers to quit.
Behavioral Therapy
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Counseling
One on one or group counseling to deal with the psychological side of quitting. Behavioral therapy to deal with the habits and triggers of smoking.
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Support Groups
Support groups a community of people going through the same thing. Sharing stories and strategies can help during the quitting process.
Natural and Alternative Methods to Quit Smoking
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture an ancient Chinese practice where thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body. Some say it can help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
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Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy guided relaxation and focused attention to change smoking behaviors. Some say it works but results vary.
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Herbal Supplements
Lobelia and St. John’s Wort herbal supplements are used to reduce cravings but not well documented and use with caution.
Creating a Quit Plan
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Setting a Quit Date
Choose a specific date to quit and set a goal. This date should be within the next 2 weeks to keep the motivation high.
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Identifying Triggers
Notice
situations, emotions or activities that trigger the urge to smoke and develop strategies to avoid or cope with.
