Tobacco smoke and its unforeseen consequences.

(Baohatinh.vn) - According to the Ha Tinh health sector's recommendations, with over 7,000 harmful substances, tobacco is silently threatening public health and leaving many families with pain and burdens.

Cigarettes have long been considered a "silent killer," stealthily destroying the health of millions worldwide . Despite constant warnings about the harmful effects of tobacco, many people still consider smoking a hard-to-break habit. Behind those seemingly harmless puffs of white smoke lies the risk of developing a range of dangerous diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke…

A patient with lung cancer caused by smoking had to undergo radiation therapy at the provincial general hospital.

Over 30 years of smoking caused Mr. NVH (53 years old, residing in Toan Luu commune) to develop lung cancer. In the final stages of the disease, Mr. H. was almost unable to breathe normally, experiencing prolonged coughing fits, chest pain, and shortness of breath, causing his body to become emaciated, reduced to skin and bones. Despite the efforts of his wife, children, siblings, and relatives to seek treatment at leading medical facilities, Mr. H. could not be saved.

Ms. TTL, Mr. H.'s wife, choked up as she said, "He started smoking when he was very young, initially a few cigarettes a day, then it became a habit. At one point, he smoked a whole pack every day. Even though we advised him to quit, once he got used to it, he couldn't."

Harmful substances found in cigarettes. (Illustrative image.)

At the Oncology - Nuclear Medicine Department of Ha Tinh Provincial General Hospital, there are quite a few lung cancer patients with a long history of smoking. Sadly, many only come to the hospital when the disease is already in a late stage because they are complacent about the initial symptoms such as: persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, or weight loss.

Dr. Vo Van Phuong, Head of the Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department at Ha Tinh Provincial General Hospital, stated: “Lung cancer is currently one of the leading causes of death. Approximately 80-90% of lung cancer cases are related to tobacco use. What is worrying is that many people still think that smoking less will not have a major impact, but in reality, long-term smoking causes serious lung damage, and the risk of cancer increases over time and with the number of cigarettes smoked.”

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD (illustrative image).

At Ha Tinh Lung Hospital, dozens of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are receiving care and treatment. According to Dr. Nguyen Duc Quang, Director of Ha Tinh Lung Hospital, COPD is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways caused by exposure to harmful environmental factors, primarily tobacco smoke, dust, and environmental pollution. Tobacco is the leading cause of COPD. Tobacco smoke contains toxic substances that affect lung function; when these toxins are inhaled directly into the lungs over a prolonged period, they can lead to severe lung irritation, triggering the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In fact, studies show that out of every 10 COPD patients treated, 4-5 cases are due to smoking.

Children are among the groups most vulnerable to health problems from inhaling secondhand smoke (Illustrative image).

Secondhand smoke is not only harmful to direct smokers but also an "invisible killer" for those living in smoky environments. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 toxic chemicals, including dozens of carcinogens. Non-smokers who regularly inhale secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, stroke, and lung cancer. Children living in households with smokers are more susceptible to pneumonia, asthma, and delayed physical development.

Cigarettes are silently robbing countless families of their health, happiness, and peace. Behind the white smoke lie months of battling illness, the tears of those left behind, and irreplaceable pain. For the sake of your own health, your family's health, and the health of your community, let's all say no to cigarettes starting today.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/khoi-thuoc-va-nhung-he-luy-khon-luong-post311365.html