Tobacco: An Overview
Tobacco, specifically a type known as “Tamabak,” is a dark-colored tobacco variant notorious for its unpleasant odor. This processed form of tobacco is also referred to as Snuff or ‘Al-Amari.’ It contains a minimum of 70 carcinogenic compounds, categorized among the harmful and hazardous substances. Notable constituents include tobacco nitrosamines, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, lead, benzene, and prominently nicotine, which is highly addictive.
The Dangers of Tobacco
The chemicals present in tobacco smoke can adversely affect the body in numerous ways, including:
- Nicotine constricts veins and arteries, potentially diminishing blood and oxygen flow throughout the body, leading to increased heart rate and strain on the heart.
- Carbon monoxide limits oxygen supply to body cells, and over time, leads to swelling of the airways, resulting in reduced airflow into the lungs.
- Many substances in tobacco inhibit the growth of cilia in the respiratory tract, which play a crucial role in preventing infections and inflammation in the lungs.
- The fine particulate matter in tobacco smoke irritates the throat and lungs, contributing to what is commonly known as “smoker’s cough.”
- Ammonia and formaldehyde irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for various severe cancers and benign tumors that may develop into cancer, including oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, and pharyngeal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco is responsible for over 20% of cancer cases and accounts for more than 30% of cancer-related deaths.
- Gum recession, deterioration, and diseases can lead to tooth loss and instability.
- Tobacco usage causes teeth to become discolored, turning a grim yellowish hue that is often deemed unattractive.
- It produces foul-smelling breath and unpleasant oral odors.
- Tobacco is linked to sexual dysfunction in men, reducing erection strength, libido, and impacting reproductive health.
Implications of Tobacco Use During Pregnancy
Smoking during pregnancy can lead to several health issues affecting both the mother and the fetus. Women who smoke while pregnant face an increased risk of the following complications:
- Ectopic pregnancy, which poses a severe threat to the mother’s life.
- Placental complications during pregnancy, which may involve abnormal positioning of the placenta (placenta previa), or premature placental detachment (placental abruption), both of which can cause severe bleeding, preterm birth, and other childbirth issues, sometimes necessitating an emergency cesarean section.
- Premature birth.
- Miscarriage or delivery of a low-birth-weight infant.