हिंदी
It is well-known that tobacco consumption significantly harms the lungs, with various forms such as cigarettes, cigars, vapes, bidis, and hookahs contributing to severe lung damage and increased risk of developing lung diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that obstructs airflow from the lungs and causes breathing problems.
The inhalation of tobacco smoke, which contains toxins like nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, as well as harmful chemicals such as benzene, arsenic, and formaldehyde, can severely damage the lungs and airways. Additionally, chewing tobacco can adversely affect oral health and lead to diseases of the esophagus, pancreas, and stomach.
Tips to Avoid or Quit Smoking and Manage COPD:
- Willpower to Change: The journey to quitting smoking starts with a strong will to change. Quitting is the most effective way to reduce the impact of lung diseases and COPD. Early cessation can help reverse or significantly reduce the damage caused by smoking to the lungs and overall health.
- Spreading Awareness: Educating individuals about the harmful effects of smoking and its link to COPD is crucial. Awareness can motivate people to quit and prevent others from starting.
- Pharmacological Drugs: Consult a doctor to discuss the use of pharmacological drugs for quitting smoking. These medications require a prescription and can aid in the recovery process.
- Delay Your Cravings: When experiencing a craving to smoke, try to delay it by 5 to 10 minutes. Use this time to distract yourself with activities like listening to music, playing mobile games, solving puzzles, or exercising.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): NRT is a highly effective method to quit smoking. It involves replacing the nicotine in cigarettes with lower doses found in products like chewing gum, inhalers, adhesive patches, or lozenges.
