Effects of Smoking on Lungs Health – Unveiling the Harsh Reality

Grotesque image of oral cancer and other cancers, along with sinister warning – “Tobacco causes painful death” ; Tobacco Users Die Younger”. This is what is written on every tobacco product pack, including cigarette boxes in India. But despite that, hundreds of millions of people use tobacco products in India. As per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2016-17,  a staggering 267 million adults (15 years and above) in India are users of tobacco. The most prevalent form of tobacco use in India is smokeless tobacco, and commonly used products are khaini, gutkha, betel quid with tobacco and zarda. The overall prevalence of smoking tobacco use is 10.38% and smokeless tobacco use is 21.38% in India. Of all adults, 28.6% currently consume tobacco either in smoke or smokeless form, including 42.4% of men and 14.2% of women. These figures are mind-boggling and instill in me a deep sense of worry and fear of the devastating consequences of Tobacco on the health of these users.  

What is even more surprising is that despite sinister warnings, people continue to buy and use Tobacco Products. I fail to understand why. Is it that these users believe they are immune to the harmful effects of smoking? Or is there a false sense of hope that such side effects will not affect them? Whatever is their reason, I as a Thoracic Surgeon at Country’s Largest Volume Chest Surgery centre, The Institute of Chest Surgery, Chest Onco Surgery & Lung Transplantation in Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgram have witnessed first-hand the devastating consequences of smoking. I have witnessed patients regretting the day when they first chose to start smoking. If only they had known what their decision would bring them to. 

As a surgeon specialising in Lung Cancer Surgery and surgeries for lung diseases caused due to smoking Like Surgery for Emphysema (Lung Volume Reduction Surgery -LVRS), Surgery for emphysematous Lung bulla, Lung Transplantation for patients with severe COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), I feel obliged to make people aware of the harmful effects of smoking.  So In this post, we’ll explore the detrimental effects of smoking on the lungs, backed by compelling statistics from India, and discuss the importance of raising awareness for a healthier tomorrow. 

Understanding the Toll of Smoking on Lung Health

Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, exacting a heavy toll on individuals and communities. The chemicals in tobacco smoke wreak havoc on the respiratory system, inflicting irreversible damage to the lungs over time. From chronic conditions to life-threatening diseases, the effects of smoking on lung health are profound and far-reaching. It leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ of the body.

Smoking causes 

• Cancer
  • Lung Cancer
  • Cancers of the mouth, throat, nose and sinuses
  • Oesophageal (food-pipe) Cancer
  • Bladder, kidney and ureter cancer
  • Cancer of the pancreas
  • Cancer of the stomach
  • Cancer of the liver
  • Cancer of the cervix and ovary
  • Cancer of the bowel (colorectal cancer)
  • Acute myeloid leukaemia (blood cancer)
  • Heart diseases
  • Stroke 
  • Lung diseases 
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-Emphysema & chronic bronchitis 
  • Increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Even persons who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk, and approximately 41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults and 400 deaths in infants each year can be attributed to secondhand smoke. It can cause stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory symptoms, and slowed lung growth.

Lung Cancer: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for the majority of cases worldwide. The carcinogens present in tobacco smoke damage lung tissue and trigger the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells, culminating in the development of lung cancer, which kills more persons than breast, colon and prostate combined. Lung cancer is the number one killer among all cancers. The rising prevalence of smoking in India, along with toxic levels of air pollution, is going to cause an epidemic rise in cases of Lung Cancer. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD, a progressive lung condition characterized by airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are common manifestations of COPD, severely impairing lung function and quality of life.

Respiratory Infections: Smokers are more susceptible to respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis due to compromised immune function and impaired lung defenses. These infections can exacerbate existing lung conditions and pose serious health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Reduced Lung Function: Smoking accelerates the natural decline in lung function associated with aging, leading to decreased lung capacity and respiratory efficiency. Over time, smokers may experience shortness of breath, wheezing, and diminished exercise tolerance due to impaired lung function.

Statistics on Smoking in India:

In India, smoking remains a significant public health challenge, with millions of individuals succumbing to the harmful effects of tobacco use each year. According to recent statistics:

Tobacco-related illnesses claim over 1 million lives annually in India, making it a leading cause of preventable death in the country.

Alarmingly, the prevalence of smoking among Indian youth is also concerning, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns.

Promoting Lung Health and Smoking Cessation

As a thoracic surgeon, I am committed to promoting lung health and advocating for smoking cessation initiatives. Quitting smoking is the single most effective step individuals can take to safeguard their lung health and reduce their risk of developing smoking-related diseases. By breaking free from the grip of tobacco addiction, individuals can enhance their quality of life and extend their life expectancy.

Conclusion:

The effects of smoking on lung health are profound and undeniable, with far-reaching implications for individuals, families, and society. As we strive to combat the tobacco epidemic, raising awareness about the risks of smoking and promoting smoking cessation interventions are crucial steps in protecting lung health and reducing the burden of smoking-related diseases.

For comprehensive lung health services and more information on Lung Health, visit our website [www.drbelalbinasaf.com] and take the first step towards a smoke-free future. Together, let’s breathe easier and embrace a healthier lifestyle.