Health Effects of Tobacco Use

HEALTH EFFECTS OF TOBACCO USE

Immediate:

Altered brain chemistry- decreasing the dopamine receptors in the brain which tell cells how to function. Dopamine, when released, gives a person the sense of reward. Decreasing dopamine receptors is thought to leave a person with longer, more intense cravings for what they like. (in this case, nicotine in tobacco)

Respiratory conditions- bronchospasm (abnormal tightening of airways), increased phlegm, persistent cough

Increased heart rate and blood pressure – making the heart have to work harder and therefore more likely to wear out quicker.

Long Term:

People who smoke die 13 to 14 years earlier than non-smokers
Smokers who have a heart attack are more likely to die and die suddenly (within 1 hour) than are nonsmokers.

man with oxygen and cigarette

Cancers - of the lip, oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, larynx (voice box), lung, uterine cervix, bladder, and kidney.

Information on Lung Cancer Screening

Atherosclerosis - caused by increased cholesterol which causes fats from foods to stick to the inside of blood vessels making them narrow and decreasing blood flow. This can lead to:

Stroke

Heart disease

Heart attack

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - progressive lung disease characterized by lost of lung airway and air sacs elasticity, walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed, airway walls become thick and inflamed and mucus production clogs the airways.

Emphysema - chronic lung disease when the delicate linings of the air sacs in the lungs become damaged beyond repair. The destroyed air sacs are then replaced by air pockets in the lungs which traps air, slowly enlarging the lungs, and makes is difficult to blow air out of the lungs.

Cataracts - clouding of the lens in the eye by the clumping of proteins that affects vision

Acid reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease- caused by the body’s lack of ability to secrete neutralizing stomach acid and heal itself.

Pneumonia- bacterial infection of the lungs

Gum disease and tooth decay

Infertility

For women, using tobacco can make it more difficult to become pregnant. For women who become pregnant, tobacco use can cause many complications with the pregnancy, including miscarriage. (For more information see the Pregnancy and Tobacco page.)

For men, using tobacco can cause impotence, the inability to achieve or keep an erection. Tobacco use also lowers the sperm count and can cause abnormalities in sperm shape and function. (For more information on tobacco use and reproductive health see the fact sheet.)

Children:

Children who breathe secondhand smoke:

Get sick more often, such colds, bronchitis and middle ear infections

Wheeze and cough more frequently

Experience frequent and more severe asthma symptoms

Higher risk of diminished lung growth or function

Quitting tobacco use is one of the greatest things you can do for a healthy future.(For help)

LUNG CANCER SCREENING & EARLY DETECTION

Lung & Bronchus cancer ranks 3rd in types of cancer for all races and ethnicities. It ranks 2nd in Asian/Pacific Islander. (Connecticut)
The incidence for lung & bronchus in Connecticut is higher than the national average.
New Haven, New London, Windham and Middlesex counties have the highest incidence of lung & bronchus cancer for all races combined. National Cancer Institute, National Vital Statistics System data from 2009-2013

Talk to your doctor about if lung cancer screening is right for you if you are a current smoker or have been a smoker in the past. Studies have shown that a Low Dose CT Scan (LDCT) which scans the body using low dose radiation to make detailed pictures of the lungs, can help detect lung cancer at an early stage when it's most treatable, decreasing the risk of dying from lung cancer.

The US Preventive Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT for people whom meet the following criteria:

Have a history of smoking 30 pack years or more (a pack year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year).
Currently smoking, or have quit within the past 15 years.
Between the ages of 55 and 80 years old

Information on Low Dose CT scan and patient resources can be accessed from The American Lung Association. This site incudes an interactive web screening tool that can be helpful for patient and provider decision making. The Low Dose CT Scan is covered by Medicare. Computed Technology (CT) Scan is covered by Connecticut Medicaid Husky program.

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines and Recommendations

List of Lung Cancer Screening Centers

DPH Comprehensive Cancer Program

State Cancer Rates (2013)

Connecticut State Department of Public Health