From spinal problems to bladder cancer: Smoking can cause serious and irreversible health damage
OR National No Tobacco Day (08/29) emerged in 1986, under the creation of the National Cancer Institute (INCA). The purpose of the date is to strengthen national actions to raise awareness and mobilize the population on the social, political, economic and environmental damage caused by smoking.
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“The effects of smoking go far beyond what is possible to perceive,” warns cardiologist Dr. Rizzieri Gomes. “People tend to focus more on physical harms, but there are familial, emotional and other harms. This is because nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs in the world. In this day and age, anyone can bring information to a friend, relative or even an acquaintance could help this smoker,” he says.
According to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year. More than 7 million of these deaths result from direct use of this product, while approximately 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.
Smoking directly affects the spine
Among the thousands of damages that cigarettes can cause, one of the damages can reach the spine. “Smoking leads in the medium and long term to a weakening of the bones, which we call osteoporosis. This in itself makes the spine more vulnerable to fractures, tendons and the intervertebral disc,” warns Dr. Guilherme Rossoni, neurosurgeon and specialist in the treatment of spinal diseases and chronic pain.
Furthermore, smoking also favors the closure of the vessels, causing microthrombosis. According to the doctor, the condition is called vasculopathy, in which the small vessels that irrigate these structures end up damaged. “Consequently, it hinders healing, delays the regeneration process and the arrival of nutrients for the joint to become healthier or manage to stay healthy over the years,” he explains.
Smoking can also cause bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer is the second most common type of urinary tract cancer. It can be a consequence of factors such as age, race and exposure to various chemicals. However, its main risk factor is smoking. According to Inca, smoking triples the chances of developing the disease, and is present in about 35-50% of patients with cancer.
This is because, after entering through the mouth, the smoke along with its approximately 70 carcinogens are absorbed by the lungs. Then it falls into the bloodstream. As the blood is filtered by the kidneys, the chemicals end up in the urine. Since the fluid remains in the bladder until the body eliminates it, its walls remain in contact with these elements for a long time, promoting disease.
“However, it is important to clarify that the onset of this type of cancer, which is twice as frequent in whites as in blacks, has a qualitative and not a quantitative cause. That is, it is not only the habit itself or the number of cigarettes that is relevant. , but the individual must have a predisposition to develop the disease,” says urologist Fernando Franco Leão, of the Albert Einstein Hospital Israelita.
Other health effects of smoking
In addition to back problems and bladder cancer, smoking can facilitate the onset of numerous other diseases. According to Dr. Luciana Defendi Navarrete, family doctor in charge of the Tobacco Group at UBS Jardim São Bento, addiction is linked to the development of around 50 pathologies.
“Smoking significantly reduces life expectancy. This is because cigarettes contain substances that reduce the absorption of oxygen in the body,” he warns. The expert also explains that tobacco increases the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease, as it promotes the formation of atheroma. That is, plaques composed of lipids and fibrous tissue in the arteries.
Furthermore, smoking also has an important influence on the onset of most cancers and lung diseases. This is the case, for example, of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary emphysema. The doctor also mentions halitosis, or bad breath, which can be aggravated by smoking, causing discomfort and embarrassment.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
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