#WorldNoTobaccoDay: Tobacco Smoking is not a Treat, it is a Threat

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2021, the tobacco epidemic was one of the biggest public health threats killing over 8 million people. More than 7 million of those deaths are from direct use of tobacco, while 1.2 million are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smokes. Pitifully, nearly 80% of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low and middle-income countries.

In Africa, the prevalence of tobacco use has increased exponentially among women and young girls. According to WHO, about 22,000 women die yearly from tobacco-related diseases and increase the risks of diseases such as; cervical cancer, breast cancer, and coronary artery cancer

Harmful Effect of Nicotine From Tobacco Snoking on the Brain.

The nicotine in tobacco product is readily absorbed into the bloodstream when used by humans. Upon entering the bloodstream, it stimulates the adrenal glands to release chemicals such as Epinephrine and Dopamine. Epinephrine activates the central nervous system to increase blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate.

Dopamine's function is to make the user feel good and happy. The negative effect of dopamine is that it cause the brain to become addicted to tobacco smoking. Any plan to stop smoking could lead to health problems such as increased appetite, insomnia and amnesia.

Diseases Associated to Tobacco Smoking

• Cancer: tobacco smoking can lead to cancer in the lungs, mouth, throat, nose, liver, esophagus,?and blood.
• Cardiovascular disease: tobacco smoking can lead to heart disease and stroke. It increases the risk of blood clots, which block blood flow to the heart, brain, or legs.
• It causes Type II diabetes.
• It weakens the immune system.
• For pregnant women, it increases the risk of premature birth and sudden infant death syndrome (CDC, 2022).
• It increases the production of fats, cholesterol, and calcium in the blood vessels, which cause blood vessels to thicken and narrow.?
• It decreases the production of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver for excretion.
• It leads to early aging.
• It causes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)

N.B: High levels of?HDL Cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke

Factors that Influence Tobacco Use

• Low income
• Poor housing
• Unemployment
• Nicotine exposure during childhood
• Financial pressure and stress
• Anxiety and Depression
• Parental and Peer examples
• More intensive marketing by the tobacco industry
• The media ( Social Media and Entertainment industry)

Despite all these negative effects, it is a good news that nicotine addiction can be controlled and managed. Firstly, the person involved must make a decision to stop taking it. Secondly, the person should approach a rehabilitation centre or medical practitioner for assistant. Thirdly, the person should change environment (most times relapse occur due to triggers from the environment). Lastly, the person involved can join a community of people with past experience of tobacco use for encouragement and supports.

In conclusion, the best solution for nicotine addiction is to prevent taking it. You can join us in saving lives and our planet by sharing this article with your friends and connections.

Happy World No Tobacco Day!

Author: Akindipe Akinjisola