World No Tobacco Day, 2022

Tobacco production harms the environment through pesticide use and deforestation.

Digital Desk: Every year, World No-Tobacco Day is celebrated on May 31^st all over the world in order to create awareness of the ill effects of tobacco consumption, the diseases that are caused by it, and to urge people to quit the habit through prevention measures.

Theme:

The theme of World No-Tobacco Day this year is "Tobacco: A Threat to our Environment," as mentioned on the UNEP website. Tobacco impacts both the health of countless people across the planet as well as the environment at large.

Smoke coming out of cigarettes and cigars doesn’t just stain people’s teeth; chewing tobacco, the highly addictive substance contains nicotine, which is known to cause cancer and diseases of the heart, lungs, and liver. Tobacco production harms the environment through pesticide use and deforestation.

Quitting smoking and tobacco consumption is a long journey of determination and dedication that requires a lot of convincing. Dr. Deepak Namjoshi, Pulmonologist and Director, CritiCare Asia Multispecialty Hospital, Mumbai said, "Active smoking is way worse as it affects almost every organ, from the lungs, heart, mouth, kidney, liver, and evens the reproductive system." Passive Smoking is no better. He further spoke of the reasons for smoking, one of them being social influence. "Social influence is one of the root causes of addiction and often forces women to take it up since their teenage times. Proper medical guidance and counselling are, therefore, needed for maximum cure, "he added.

Addressing the issues faced by women due to smoking, Deepak Namjoshi noted down seven ways in which women are affected. They are:

Reproductive Health: Excessive smoking in women leads to irregular, painful periods and they face difficulty in conceiving. Premature menopause is also caused by nicotine.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, smoking leads to miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy, still births, premature births, sudden infant death syndrome, and negative health outcomes.

Hormone production: Smoking leads to hormone-related diseases as well. It often leads to a drop in estrogen production, which further leads to interference with sexual development, sexual functioning, and delayed puberty.

Cancer: cervical cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, throat cancer, oesophagus cancer, and rectal cancer are some types of cancer that are caused due to smoking.

Respiratory System: Compared to men, women are more prone to developing severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The harmful chemicals clog the airways and harm the lining of the lungs. It can also lead to emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and several other conditions.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: "Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease that is more commonly diagnosed in women. "Smoking can increase RA progression and deteriorate the patient’s response to medication and treatments," Deepak Namjoshi added.

Women who smoke and who take birth-control pills after 35 years of age are at a higher risk of developing heart diseases.

Suggesting steps to quit smoking and start living a healthier life, Dr Prarthana Jagtap advised:

• Take advantage of a tobacco helpline, which offers resources for quitting, including professional help from psychiatrists.

• Chew gum or eat mints to combat the habitual nature of smoking.

• Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation medications, patches, and gum.

• Motivate yourself to quit by considering the health risks and other bad affects it causes.

Divulging the approach to quit smoking, Dr Sanket Jain recommended:

1. A comprehensive approach addressing all major aspects of tobacco addiction.

2. Both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic.

3. Evaluating willpower and motivation.

4. Behavioural therapy to combat conditioning.

5. Prescribing proper medication.

He also listed the non-pharmacological interventions as:

1. Individual or group counselling is very essential to address the important role of conditioning in tobacco addiction.

2. Teaching coping mechanisms for craving and withdrawal symptoms.

3.  Organizing Self-help programs, telephone counselling and exercise programs.

Dr. Sanket Jain explained the coping mechanisms which include the five Ds, i.e., delay till the urge passes, distract yourself, drink water, deep breaths, and discuss.