Diseases Caused by Tobacco

These days, chewing and smoking tobacco is very commonly practiced worldwide. Teens are especially getting addicted to cigarette smoking. But, are you aware that various chemicals present in tobacco can lead to numerous health problems? There are more than 4000 harmful chemicals like nicotine, tar, formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide in tobacco smoke. Due to its high content of nicotine, tobacco becomes addictive. Once you get addicted to chewing or smoking tobacco, then it is very difficult to give it up. Some people become addicted to relieve stress, tensions and depression; while others may for the sake of enjoyment and thrill. Whatever might be the reason for tobacco addiction, effects of cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco are certainly very hazardous to your health.

Diseases Caused by Tobacco

Some people have the habit of chewing tobacco frequently, while most people practice cigarette smoking. Both the forms of tobacco use cause many dangerous health problems. In the United States, the use of tobacco accounts for one in five deaths from lung cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

• The smoking facts reveal that tobacco smoke increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It consists of a high amount of carbon monoxide, which decreases the level of oxygen in the blood. The vital organs like brain, heart and lungs are deprived of sufficient oxygen, which affects their functioning. People addicted to smoking are at a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, aortic aneurysm, blood clots, hemorrhages and other cardiovascular diseases. Cigarette smoking increases the levels of triglycerides and clotting factors and reduces the levels of HDL cholesterol in the blood, leading to coronary heart diseases, stroke, cerebrovascular diseases and atherosclerotic peripheral vascular diseases.
  
• Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Smoking accounts for about 80% cases of lung cancer. In addition, smoking also increases the risk of cancer of other body organs like mouth, esophagus, pancreas, stomach, kidneys, bladder and cervix.
  
• Chewing tobacco increases the risk of oral health problems such as periodontal disease, mouth ulcers, candidasis, oral lesions, oral leukoplakia, gingivitis, brown staining and sticky tar deposits in teeth, tooth decay, tooth abrasion, altered taste and bad breath. It can also lead to lip cancer, sore throat as well as a burning sensation on the tongue and lips.
  
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema can also result from smoking. Some other diseases caused by tobacco are peptic ulcers, asthma, pneumonia, diabetes, cataracts, acute myeloid leukemia, chest infections, tuberculosis, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis and diabetic retinopathy. Due to smoking, the level of vitamin A in the body is reduced, which can lead to early aging.
  
• Tobacco use during pregnancy causes hazardous effects on the health of both, the pregnant woman and her baby. There is an increased risk of miscarriages as well as pregnancy-related complications like ectopic pregnancy, bleeding and premature birth. There is also a possibility of low birth weight baby or stillbirth.
  
• People, especially infants and children who come in contact with the smokers may also suffer from the passive effects of smoking. They may become more susceptible to respiratory problems like asthma and various infections of the throat and nose. There is also a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

The effects of chewing and smoking tobacco are life-threatening. In order to prevent the diseases caused by tobacco, you should stay away from these unhealthy habits. It's never too late to quit smoking and stop tobacco use. Always remember, there should be no compromise, when health is concerned. After all, health is wealth!