Health effects of tobacco consumption

Abstract

With this article, the author carries out a major review of the health effects of consuming tobacco, based on the latest data from evidence collected and published by various international bodies. The smoking induces physical and psychological dependence on the vast majority of consumers, being currently the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality and affect the entire human body. Today there is sufficient evidence that tobacco use is a causal factor for cancer in different locations of chronic respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to other effects on the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive health, endocrine system, ocular health in bone health and aging skin. Tobacco use is also associated with mental health problems. Smokers have worse health indicators than non-smokers and a lower life expectancy. About half of all regular smokers die as a result of smoking, a quarter of them in ages between 25 and 69 years. Tobacco use is a risk factor entirely preventable. Quitting smoking reduces the risks associated with tobacco smoking and premature mortality. Quitting smoking has benefits at any age, the greater the sooner verify the cessation. Tobacco dependence should therefore be seen by health professionals, in particular by doctors as a chronic, relapsing, which is needed for prevention and treatment.