Tobacco is surely one of the main causes of preventable death caused by lung cancers and oral cancers across the globe. India is the second-largest tobacco consumer in the world and accounts for 1/6th of deaths owing to tobacco. And the sad reality is, the number of tobacco consumption is increasing day by day. Lungs are the most affected organs that are affected by tobacco smoke. Here are some facts related to tobacco causing lung diseases.

1. The use of tobacco is more prevalent in men (48%) than women (20%). 

2. Around 1/3rd of the world’s population is exposed to secondhand smoke which is more dangerous than regular tobacco smoke. 

3. Besides smoking, there are different means by which tobacco is getting used like chewing, applying, sucking, gargling, etc.  

4. A small percentage of adults use smokeless tobacco (which includes the use of tobacco in other forms).

Long-term use of tobacco products can cause scarring of lung tissues. Inhalation of tobacco smoke is toxic to the lungs. Smoking can also deteriorate the chronic condition and increase the risk of other respiratory infections. Here are the top three dangerous lung diseases that can be caused by smoking

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – As per studies, 8 out of 10 COPD cases are because of smoking. The toxins in tobacco smoke enter the body through the mouth and nose. These chemicals get absorbed by the lungs which damage the tissues and cells causing lung injury. Hookahs and cigarettes damage the lungs badly. This decreases the lung's functions as well as the quality of life.

Lung cancer – Lung cancer is one of the top causes of cancer-related deaths in India. Tobacco smoking is the main reason behind lung cancer. Smoking contains some free radicals and chemicals that are carcinogenic in nature, thereby causing cancer. Second-hand smoke or passive smoke is also the prime reason for lung cancer. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of male smokers getting lung cancer is around 25%, whereas that of women smokers is slightly higher. Moreover, around 90% of all cancer deaths in men and 80% of those in women are caused due to smoking.

Emphysema – Complete destruction of air sacs causes emphysema. This causes continuous coughing which gets severe with time. This is most commonly seen in smokers and is called smoker’s cough. 

Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.