Cigarettes and Health

Cigarettes and Health

By Dr. Warong Lapannan, Division of Internal Medicine, Bhumibol Hospital and Medical Consultant, Vibhavadi Hospital.

Although there are warnings about the dangers of smoking printed on cigarette packages, such as the fact that smoking causes heart disease, cancer, emphysema, impotence, and other health issues, smoking-related diseases continue to be a public health concern every year. In the United States, for example, it was discovered in 1990 that one out of every five deaths was caused by smoking, resulting in a significant loss of money for healthcare. American society itself has made extensive efforts to combat smoking, as evidenced by the data showing that in 1965, 40% of Americans smoked, but by 1995, that number had decreased to 24.7%. Large cigarette manufacturers in America, facing the grim prospect of lawsuits and the financial burden of treating smoking-related diseases, have sought a way out by exporting American cigarettes to other countries. This, in turn, has led to an increase in smoking-related deaths in those countries, with advertising campaigns costing hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Those who have a taste for cigarettes and enough wealth try to acquire them for consumption, despite governments imposing hefty taxes on cigarettes. Whether they are Thai cigarettes or foreign ones, cigarette smoke is equally terrifying because it contains up to 4,700 different substances, some of which are carcinogenic, allergenic, and irritants to the respiratory system, but most notably nicotine, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide.

When nicotine is inhaled into the lungs, it is absorbed into the bloodstream, and its effects are similar to a substance called adrenaline, which stimulates the nervous system, causing increased blood pressure, palpitations, and irregular heartbeats.

Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin molecules, preventing them from carrying oxygen, resulting in a state of oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. In cigarette smoke, there are substances that destroy the endothelium, the lining of blood vessels, causing them to become rigid and constricted, reducing the level of HDL (good cholesterol), and promoting the easy occurrence of blocked blood vessels.

Cigarettes are a significant cause of more than 10 types of cancer, including lung cancer, respiratory and oral cavity cancers, and digestive system cancers, such as liver cancer, because they contain nearly 50 carcinogenic substances. Smoking also triggers chronic bronchitis, a leading cause of emphysema, which is comparable to destroying small air bubbles, resulting in large honeycomb-like structures. The surface area for oxygen exchange in the lungs is reduced, leading to insufficient oxygen in the air expelled. One has to rely on oxygen tanks constantly, even minor physical movements become tiring, and on bad days, lung inflammation or even lung rupture can occur.

For you, dear women who are contemplating having children, it is essential to listen attentively to this information. Based on studies, it has been discovered that infants born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy not only tend to have low birth weight but also have a fourfold increased likelihood of developing a mischievous and predisposition to theft behavior as they grow up. This phenomenon is also observed in female children. Why does this happen? One prevailing theory suggests that nicotine in cigarettes may impact the brain development of the fetus in the womb. Even if the mother herself does not smoke but resides with a father who smokes in the bedroom or within the house, it may still not be safe.

Studies have found that the majority of smokers, around 90%, initiate smoking before the age of 20. This should serve as a strong warning to prevent the perils of smoking and intensify efforts to protect children from falling into the habit. This way, they will not become adults who are addicted to smoking in the future. Importantly, research has shown that all types of addictive drugs, including marijuana, narcotics, heroin, and others, have their origin in cigarettes. So, if you are already a smoker, don't despair. If you consider quitting, take a moment to listen to this study's findings. They discovered that if you quit smoking today, the rate of heart disease and stroke will decrease by up to 50% within 1-2 years. However, if you want to reach the same risk level as non-smokers, it will take longer, approximately 10-15 years. It might seem like a long time, but it is worth it because not only heart disease but also cancer, emphysema, and other illnesses will diminish, allowing you to enjoy a vibrant life and be free from preventable diseases.

For further information, please contact the Vibhavadi Heart Center at 0-2561-1111, extension 1322.