Avoid nicotine

Among them, we should mention: Malignant lung tumors. It has been shown that 90-95% of smokers develop malignant tumors. The onset of the first symptoms of the disease depends on many factors, including the type of tobacco, the age of starting smoking, the amount of cigarettes smoked, the duration of smoking, etc.

The time from exposure to the carcinogenic factor to the development of full-blown disease symptoms ranges from 15 to 20 years. After quitting smoking, the risk of disease is halved after 5 years, and after 10 years, it equals that of non-smokers.

It is also believed that about 20-30% of malignant lung tumors in non-smokers are associated with passive smoking (smoking partner at home, smoking colleagues at work, etc.) because the side stream contains 5 times more carbon monoxide, 2-3 times more nicotine, and 3-4 times more carcinogenic substances. Tumors of the oral cavity, throat, esophagus, and larynx.

This type of tumors is particularly associated with cigar and pipe smoking. The frequency of their occurrence in smokers is 20 times higher than in non-smokers who do not spend time in the company of smokers.

Coronary heart disease.

The impact of smoking on the development of heart conditions can be outlined based on the pharmacological effects of nicotine. Nicotine binds to nicotine receptors and causes elevated blood pressure, accelerated heart rate, and increased workload on the heart.

This leads to increased oxygen consumption by the heart muscle, and in some individuals, it may cause a heart attack.

Other organs.

Tobacco smoke, whose components are soluble in body fluids and reach various organs through this route, is the cause of the development of cancerous diseases in other organs and systems as well.

Particularly susceptible are: the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urinary bladder, pancreas, kidneys, stomach.

The incidence and number of deaths due to heart attack, aortic aneurysm, hypertension, degenerative heart muscle diseases, cerebral vascular diseases, peripheral vascular diseases, and stroke are significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers.

Smoking cigarettes leads to increased cholesterol content and the development of atherosclerotic plaques.

Non-nicotine or low-nicotine smoking does not reduce the risk of heart attack among smokers. Non-cancerous respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) occur 20-30 times more frequently, and susceptibility to osteoporosis and Crohn's disease increases as well.

In pregnant women, cigarette smoke penetrating through the placenta can be the cause of sudden infant death syndrome.

Source: Dr. Bogdan Kowalczyk, general medicine, Family Medicine Clinic.

It is worth noting that most of the negative health effects associated with nicotine are related to smoking tobacco. Alternative sources of nicotine, such as replacement therapies or e-cigarettes, are considered less harmful but may still have some negative effects, especially in terms of addiction. Quitting smoking and avoiding nicotine are always recommended for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Individuals interested in quitting smoking should consult a healthcare professional who can offer support and cessation strategies.

Discouraging young people from smoking requires an approach that incorporates diverse strategies. Education about the effects of smoking is crucial. Providing clear information about the harmfulness of smoking, such as the risk of heart disease, lung disease, or cancer, can increase awareness among young people. Organizing social campaigns, both in schools and on social media, that promote a healthy lifestyle and discourage smoking can attract the attention of young people. Role models and success stories from individuals who have quit smoking and achieved success in other areas of life can be inspiring for young people. Incorporating anti-smoking themes into school curricula provides young people with reliable information and tools to make informed decisions. Focusing on the aesthetic aspect can be effective. Emphasizing the impact of smoking on appearance, such as wrinkles, yellow teeth, or a grayish skin tone, can be motivating for young individuals.

It is important to use diverse strategies tailored to the individual needs and preferences of young people to effectively discourage them from smoking.