Hyderabad: Respiratory diseases are one of the main causes of death worldwide, with tobacco being the major risk factor. Tobacco kills one person every four seconds!
Key points:
• Tobacco causes 8 million deaths globally and 1 million due to second-hand smoke.
• In India, 1.35 million deaths annually are attributable to tobacco.
• Tobacco increases the risk of lung cancer, COPD, heart disease, stroke, asthma, reproductive health issues, diabetes, eye diseases, and low birth-weight babies.
• Tips to quit smoking:
1. Nicotine replacement therapy
2. Avoid triggers
3. Physical activity
4. Relaxation techniques (yoga, deep breathing, music)
5. Remind yourself of benefits of quitting
• Quitting tobacco improves lung function in as little as two weeks, reduces chronic disease risk, and enhances quality of life.
This article is written by Dr. P. Vijay Anand Reddy, Director & Senior Consultant Oncologist, Apollo Cancer Centre, Hyderabad.
