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...]
Smoking – Effects, Symptoms and Statistics
Smoking statistics: 1. Every eight seconds, one person dies of smoking. 2. 30% of adult males are smokers in the world. 3. 20% of young males are smokers. 4. 20% of Americans deaths are due to Cigarette smoking. 5. One cigarette smoke reduces 11 minutes of life time. 6. People of Western pacific region are heavy smokers. 7. Smoking is the most preventable cause of death. 8. 23% of American males are smokers while 18% of American females are smokers. Source: WHO and National Institute of Health. Symptoms due to Tobacco smoking: 1. Difficulty in taking breath. 2. Cough and Blood in the Phlegm. 3. Chest pain. 4. Anger and Uneasiness are psychological symptoms. Tobacco smoking causes following diseases. 1. Cancer of the lungs - Smoking is the most common cause. 2. Chronic Bronchitis. 3. Peptic Ulcer leading to cancer of stomach and intestine. 4. Emphysema – Lungs become balloon like called Bulla. 5. Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease. 6. Cancer of the urinary bladder. 7. Oral cavity cancer 8. Discoloration of teeth. 9. Heart Attacks. 10. High Blood pressure. 11. Pleural Effusion 12. Infertility 13. Paralysis. 14. Reduced blood supply to foot and big toe. Tobacco smoke contains: 1. Nicotine – Addictive substance. 2. Carbon Monoxide – Reduces supply of oxygen to the blood. 3. Carcinogens – Hydrocarbons etc. cause cancer. 4. Tar – Causes discoloration to the teeth. Governments should ban smoking in the public places. … [Read more...]
