In a fast-paced lifestyle, people lack work-life balance which makes them vulnerable to habits that are extremely harmful to their health. The most common habit is smoking. Smoking not only affects the health of the smoker but also puts others at risk of various diseases. Secondhand smoke, the smoke emitted by smokers and the burning of tobacco products, contains numerous toxins that can be inhaled by nonsmokers. This exposure increases the risk of respiratory infections, asthma and other respiratory conditions.
The harmful effects of tobacco use are well-documented and widespread, affecting numerous organs and increasing the risk of various diseases. From cigarettes to cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco products, tobacco contains numerous toxins that can seriously harm the body.
Dr. Sandeep Nair, Senior Director, and HOD Chest and Respiratory Diseases, BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi explains how tobacco can affect your lung, and heart health and ways to quit smoking.
How can smoking affect your lungs?
Dr. Nair explains that cigarette smoking can have a major impact on the lungs. Smoking can damage the airways and alveoli (small air sacs) leading to bronchitis and emphysema. It can also damage the cilia (hair-like structures present in the airways that remove secretions and dust particles). When cilia are destroyed, infection is more likely as well as symptoms like smoker’s cough. Also, patients with COPD can even develop lung and mouth cancer. Smoking can cause all the major respiratory symptoms, including cough, phlegm, wheezing, and wheezing.
How can smoking affect your heart health?
Dr. Nair shares that “Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. Smoking can damage the cells that line blood vessels, cause a hypercoagulable state that can cause blood clots, smoking can build up plaque in blood vessels, thicken and narrow blood vessels which This can lead to strokes and heart attacks.”
7 Daily Habits to Quit Smoking
Dr. Nair explains, when someone feels the urge to smoke, remember that it usually goes away within minutes whether someone smokes or doesn’t smoke. Every time someone resists the urge to smoke, he is one step closer to quitting. One can try many ways to quit smoking, some of them are:
Tobacco cravings may be strongest at places where people have smoked or chewed tobacco in the past, such as at parties/functions or bars, or during times of stress. Avoid going to those places if possible or stay with people who don’t smoke
Whenever you have the urge to smoke, do something to distract yourself. Go for a walk or grab a cup of coffee or read a book.
Chew gum or hard candy or nibble on some snacks to resist the urge to smoke. Physical activity can help distract you from tobacco cravings. You can do some exercise or go for a walk or jog.
Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, yoga and listening to music. Join an online smoking cessation program or consult a counselor who can help you quit.
Always remind yourself of the benefits of quitting. You can go through the Internet for quitting aids or read an article or watch a program that promotes smoking cessation.
