Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Dec 11 : Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, a leading pulmonologist in Kashmir, stated that smoking is a major factor contributing to respiratory diseases. It causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dr. Shah emphasized that smoking is the leading cause of respiratory diseases. Whether it leads to conditions such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer, or even respiratory infections, smoking remains a significant contributor.
He stressed the importance of avoiding smoking and highlighted that early intervention is crucial, especially in educating children about its dangers. Dr. Shah noted that it is also the responsibility of the community and parents to keep their children away from smoking, as it can develop into a harmful addiction that is difficult to break.
Dr. Shah explained that smoking affects every aspect of the body, impacting nearly every organ as well as the central nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. It also affects hair, skin, and nails.
He pointed out that smoking can lead to mental health issues, breathing difficulties, an increased heart rate, and much more.
Moreover, Dr. Shah warned that the unnecessary use of medications can be harmful to health, stressing that no medication should be taken without a doctor’s prescription. The misuse of drugs can often cause more harm than good.
As the leading pulmonologist in Kashmir, he also advised that prevention is always preferable during the cold months. He urged elderly individuals and children to avoid going out unnecessarily in winter and emphasized the importance of drinking an adequate amount of water, maintaining a balanced diet, and for those already suffering from chest diseases, continuing their treatment.
Meanwhile, according to data from one of the world’s leading lung associations, tobacco causes more than 7 million deaths worldwide each year.
Johns Hopkins Medicine, America’s top-ranked hospital, stated in one of its studies that, on average, smokers die 10 years earlier than nonsmokers. The study also highlights the dangers of secondhand smoke.
According to the study, secondhand smoke is smoke that is exhaled by smokers. It also refers to smoke from a burning cigarette, cigar, or pipe. Secondhand smoke causes more than 7,000 lung cancer deaths each year in nonsmokers and leads to a total of 41,000 other deaths annually. It can also result in lung conditions and heart disease. Symptoms associated with secondhand smoke may include eye, nose, and throat irritation; coughing; excessive mucus in the airways; and chest discomfort or pain.
Children and babies exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to suffer from ear infections and asthma. They are also at a higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to the study. (Kashmir Despatch)
