Smoking Effects

 

smoking effects on health and well-being

The term smoking is commonly used to describe the act of inhaling or exhaling smoke from a cigarette, pipe, hookah, cigar or other tobacco product. The word has its origin in Old French which means "smoking". It was not until 1871 that cigarettes were first introduced as an alternative in England by Thomas J. Watson (Friedenberg 2002). There are several important reasons why smokers should stop smoking. First, it makes a person more likely to get ill and die early (Friedenberg 2002). Second, quitting smoking lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke (Shaffer 2005). Third, smoking decreases productivity and reduces life expectancy (Shaffer 2005). Fourth, smokers often experience low self-esteem and embarrassment (Friedenberg 2004). Finally, in some countries smoking is banned for public health reasons, such as improving air quality, controlling crime, preventing child abuse or protecting women's health (Shaffer 2005). While many people believe the benefits of smoking outweigh any risks associated with it, there is no scientific evidence to support these assertions. However, cigarette smoke contains over 2,000 chemicals that are toxic when inhaled into the lungs. Some substances can cause serious health problems. These include carbon monoxide in very low levels, tar and nicotine in higher than usual amounts, and formaldehyde in tiny quantities, all of which may lead to cancer (American Lung Association 2006). Several ways to help patients quit smoking are available. For example, counseling, education and information can be provided, or they can be taught how to use electronic cigarettes or similar devices. In addition, medical professionals can give advice about the best course of treatment. They can also instruct the patient on how to change their behavior. Medication may be combined with other methods to overcome withdrawal symptoms of smoking. If the medications do not work, then counseling can be employed to help the patient decide whether to continue with the process or discontinue with no further assistance. Counseling and medication are only effective if the patient understands why they need to take them while also considering alternatives, such as avoiding smoking altogether. This article looks at all aspects of smoking that people who are trying to reduce their likelihood of smoking may find helpful and will be reviewed in detail below.

Causes of smoking When a cigarette is lit up, nicotine is released into the environment. Nicotine binds to receptors in the brain; thereby stimulating nerve cells to reactivate after being stimulated by nicotine. This action causes the release of dopamine in the reward centers and leads the body to seek pleasurable activities. People may smoke for various reasons, but there are two main ones. A cigarette is smoked for pleasure or to help relieve pain. Nicotine stimulates the central nervous system to keep the person awake and alert, thereby increasing mental activity (Shaffer 2005). Nicotine also plays a part in reducing irritability and anxiety (Shaffer 2005). Sometimes people smoke to feel free after going through difficult times in their lives. Others smoke to distract themselves from unpleasant thoughts or feelings. Cigarettes contain nicotine salts. Although many different brands of cigarette vary in strength of nicotine, the basic ingredients, including the chemical composition, remain the same. To make the dose lighter, manufacturers have lowered the percentage of tar in each pack of cigarettes. An individual may choose one brand because they want a stronger flavor, better packaging, and more variety in flavors. Each smoker develops a preference. Smokers usually spend most of their time looking at, thinking about, talking to, or listening to another person. Even though cigarettes can be purchased as singles, people often buy packs of cigarettes together. By allowing others to smoke and helping them to make choices about their own smoking habits, those who are trying to limit the amount of time they spend smoking will be able to learn to be successful in this area. Another reason why someone smokes is that he or she wants to try to improve his or her appearance. Smokers frequently compare their bodies to a picture taken without filters. Smoking for aesthetic purposes can cause harm to both the smoker and his or her skin (Brannigan 2007). Many smokers would rather wear makeup at home than have this effect at work or school. Not only does smoking make you look old, dull, overweight or ugly, but it also increases your chances of developing lung cancer (Brannigan 2007). The dangers of smoke from cigars or pipes include long periods of exposure that could lead to lung damage or chronic bronchitis (Brannigan 2007). Both studies show that smokers who used a combination of non-nicotine replacement therapy and nicotine replacement therapy had less severe lung damage and lower rates of morbidity than did the control group (Brannigan 2007). Tobacco smoke damages the respiratory tract and causes irritation and inflammation (NRC 2007). This inflammation can lead to sinusitis and coughing. Coughing is usually caused by mucus production. Narrowing of the small airways of the upper airways is common in smokers, resulting in hoarseness and reduced airflow. Severe cases of asthma may result in recurrent episodes of acute asthma (NRC 2007).

Smoke-free policies Every country has laws that may prohibit smoking among certain age groups, as well as special areas for sports, entertainment venues, workplaces and residential areas. Most countries have laws against selling and using tobacco products. All smoking is prohibited on military bases (NRC 2007). Laws aimed at prohibiting smoking only exist in 12 countries worldwide. Nine of these countries impose taxes on tobacco and alcohol. Countries with strong penalties of these types are considered “smoke-free”. Eighteen states and Washington D.C., on the other hand, do not have specific anti-smoking regulations; instead they rely on general requirements for minimum age of purchase, smoking areas, and restrictions on advertising (NRC 2007). About three quarters of legal U.S. businesses have policies in place to prohibit smoking in retail shops and malls. At bars, restaurants, hotels, bus stations, airports and train stations, it is illegal to offer products containing alcohol or tobacco to customers who are under 21 years old (NRC 2007). Public places where smoking in enclosed spaces is allowed include restaurants, lounges, and bars. In order to serve food and drinks to customers over 21 years of age, bar codes must be printed in English, Spanish, Chinese or Tagalog (NRC 2007). Private places where smoking is permitted include movie halls, banquet halls, casinos, resorts and spas. Any type of public event where smoking is prohibited is not allowed. On federal lands, such as national parks, state parks, monuments and forests, anyone smoking indoors must leave immediately if asked (NRC 2007). Airports are also required by law to provide sufficient lighting at arrival areas. Passengers must be asked to leave if the aircraft becomes congested. Federal rules require airlines to provide access to restrooms, rest rooms, washrooms and showers for passengers who wish to remain seated when traveling over a designated portion of a plane while waiting to board. On planes with multiple rows of seating, each seat on the lowest level is allocated to a passenger who cannot stand up. No more than four people on a flight can be placed in a row where each person is touching, kissing, biting or spitting tobacco (NRC 2007). According to the American Heart Association, smokers are more susceptible to getting sick. They are also more likely to die early than nonsmokers. More than one-fourth of adults (45%) who begin smoking before age 12 also reach it by the age of 25 and more than half (55%) of adult smokers die by the age of 45 (American Lung Association 2006). Men are more than twice as vulnerable to getting lung disease as nonsmokers (American Lung Association 2006).

Smoking cessation Programs to assist smokers with their attempts at quitting can be designed and delivered in a wide range of settings. Such programs may be tailored to meet the needs of individuals and to address the barriers to participation in smoking cessation. One thing remains constant, however: It is generally easier for smokers to remain abstinent than it is for nonsmokers to quit (Shaffer 2005). The number of successful quit attempts by smokers varies substantially depending on several factors such as motivation, intensity of desire, time, availability of resources and ability to accept responsibility (NRC 2007). For instance, even highly motivated smokers can stay dependent for months, even years. Successful addiction is not only found within the confines of this section but includes the difficulty and cost of stopping completely (NRC 2007). As far as the most efficient method for the reduction of dependence of the addicted individual, strategies vary (NRC 2007). Cognitive behavioral procedures, including motivational theories, may be appropriate starting points for this purpose. Other more restrictive alternatives may be considered along with therapies such as antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, pharmacotherapy to treat withdrawal symptoms, and surgery. Among the therapies mentioned above, cognitive behavior methods are considered best suited for assisting smokers in learning coping skills necessary to successfully avoid tobacco use upon re-introduction (NRC 2007). Once the goal is reached, additional strategies such as psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and/or drugs may be applied to help the survivor maintain abstinence. Whether the efforts made are successful or not, it is critical to note that although smoking may affect the short-term goals of smoking withdrawal, once the desired outcome has been achieved, the process must continue toward a normal pattern. Ongoing treatment is needed during the maintenance phase to ensure proper abstinence and to prevent relapse. The current approach to smoking cessation is centered around the idea of prolonged abstinence (NRC 2007). Longer than usual abstinence is the preferred choice of the vast majority of smokers who attempt to refrain from cigarettes. Continued abstinence will allow smoking to be experienced in a meaningful way. Ongoing therapy aims to allow people to achieve sustained smoking abstinence for an extended period. Individuals who suffer withdrawal symptoms should be encouraged to explore the possibility of continuing abstinence and taking steps to establish regular consumption. Maintenance services, including educational, financial and peer encouragement, are typically