What are the health effects of smoking tobacco?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 38-year-old male. I have had the habit of tobacco smoking for a year. What are the various health effects associated with tobacco smoking? How does it affect the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and increase the risk of developing certain cancers? How does nicotine contribute to dependence? What are the challenges faced when attempting to quit smoking, both physically and psychologically? What are the recommended strategies and interventions that can be adopted to quit smoking?

Your guidance would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The key health hazards contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality can be categorized into three main groups: cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), pulmonary diseases, and cancer. Among these, cardiovascular diseases stand out as one of the foremost causes of death globally, surpassing fatalities from cancer by a significant margin. Smoking emerges as the primary culprit behind lung cancer, attributing to approximately 85 percent of cases. The combustion of tobacco releases harmful carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde, which inflict damage upon lung cells and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), thereby initiating mutations that can trigger cancer. Notably, the risk associated with smoking is dose-dependent, meaning that the more cigarettes smoked and the longer the duration, the greater the risk.

Upon cessation of smoking, individuals often experience withdrawal symptoms, characterized by irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, strong urges to smoke, and overall discomfort. To effectively aid individuals in quitting smoking, a combination of behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy proves most efficacious. It is recommended that patients desiring to quit smoking undergo a comprehensive treatment plan involving both behavioral interventions and pharmacological support. Meta-analyses of clinical trials have consistently shown that the combined approach yields superior results compared to either method used alone, with smoking abstinence rates at six months or more notably higher with combined therapy. With optimal treatment, a significant proportion, ranging from 25 to 35 percent, of smokers attempting to quit can achieve sustained abstinence for six months or more. In contrast, those who attempt to quit without assistance have considerably lower success rates, with only 3 to 6 percent remaining abstinent after one year.

Among the first-line pharmacotherapies recommended for smokers are Varenicline, combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) comprising long-acting and short-acting NRT, and Bupropion.

I hope this guidance helps you. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance.

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