The word “tobacco” was originally used a “y” shaped piece of cone or pipe called Tobago. That was used by Mexican Indians, to inhale powdered leaves of a plant. Later, the plant came to the known as tobacco. The generic name of the tobacco plant, Nicotiana is derived from the name of the French Ambassador to Portugal, Jean Nicot. Harmful Substances in Tobacco: Tobacco is addictive and is harmful to health in many ways. It contains an alkaloid, Nicotine, Which is the main addictive agent. Tobacco also contains thousands of chemical compounds which are not only irritants, toxins, but also carcinogens. The most dangerous carcinogens in tobacco: 1. The tobacco specific nitrosamines 2. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and many others. Smoking habits: Tobacco is used in the form of 1. Cigarettes 2. Cigars 3. Bidis 4. Cheroot 5. Hookah 6. Dhumti 7. Pan with tobacco 8. Ghutka (tobacco-lime preparations) 9. Mawa Lesions or Diseases due to Tobacco chewing or Smoking: 1. Leukoderma: it is a chronic mucosal condition in which oral mucosa appears as a grayish white opaque appearance. It is common among the cigarette’s and bidi’s smokers. It is rarely become cancer. 2. Smoker’s palate: The palatal mucosa appears diffused, thick, grayish white with many excrescences having central red dots corresponding to salivary grand duct openings. Here the palatal mucosa appears as red erythematous lesion involving the hard palate and also some times the soft palate. It also shows papillary hyperplasia which consists of red, ovoid, smooth, nodules, of 2-3 mm in size. The lesions may likely undergo to precancerous condition. 3. Leukoplakia: it is the most common precancerous lesion. The term Leukoplakia means a white patch in the mouth. It is caused by tobacco (main), alcohol, certain virus, and chronic irritation from sharp tooth etc. 4. Oral Sub mucous Fibrosis: It is caused by chilly consumption, areca nut chewing, autoimmunity and also tobacco. It is characterized by mucosal rigidity of varying intensity due to fibroblastic transformation of the Juxta-epithelial connective tissue layer. Signs and Symptoms: 1. There is burning sensation in the mouth after taking spicy foods. 2. When tongue is affected, it is devoid of papillae and appears smooth and glossy and its movement is restricted. 3. There is progressive closure of mouth opening (Trismus). 4. Hyper pigmentation or loss of pigmentation of oral mucosa is common. 5. There is presence of palpable fibrous bands in the Buccal mucosa, retro-molar areas and around the mouth opening. 5 .Oral cancer: Any malignancy that arises from the oral tissues is called oral cancer. Spuamous cell carcinoma is most common type. Globally oral cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers. It is more … [Read more...]
Effects of Passive smoking
Passive smoking and environmental pollutions are the main reasons behind increased incidence of Lung Cancer in children and smoking women.Other effects of Passive smoking: Eye irritationHeadacheCough, Sore ThroatDizziness and Nausea.Long term effects of Passive Smoking: Long – term exposure has been linked to lung cancer, Infertility in females, Impotence in Males and tooth decay. Health effects of Passive Smoking: 1. In Children: If a parent smokes in the house, the chances of children inhaling the smoke could be equivalent to almost over 100 pockets of cigarettes by the time the child cuts his/ her 5th birthday cake. In the U.K alone, more than 17,000 children are hospitalised every year dueto passive smoking inhalation problems. Children have a risk of72 % of respiratory illnesses. 2. Asthma: Passive smoking is more harmful to those who already suffering from asthma. Smoke also causes the lungs to produce more mucus than normal production. 3. Heart problems: Just 3o minutes exposure to second – hand smoke is enough to damage a non-smoker’ s heart and increase the risk of disease by30%. The toxins in the smoke causes:A. Decreased oxygen supply to the heartB. Increased blood pressure and heart rate C. Increased blood clotting time D. Damage to the cells that line the coronary arteries and other blood vessels. 4. Cancer Risk: Secondary smoke can cause lung cancer in non- smoking spouses of heavy smokers. It is estimated that a woman who has never smoked has a 24% risk of getting lung cancer, if she lives with a smoker.5. Impotence and infertility: Being around a smoker can reduce a woman’s chance to become pregnant by 30 %. Men also suffer from impotency if he is heavily exposed to second- hand smoke. 6. Osteoporosis: women who smoke cigarettes are also suffer from 5 to 10% in bone density, which increase the risk of bone fracture.Precautions to be taken: Say ‘’ no’’ to passive smoking and move away from that room or place when your partner lights up a cigarette. Tell your partner to quit smoking on his or own sake and also advice the smoker to adopt various therapies for quitting smoking. Consider doing relaxation exercises such as yoga or meditation. Get the support of family and friends.Please share your opinion. … [Read more...]
