Tobacco, Causes Of Tobacco Intake, Effects Of Tobacco Intake, And Control Of Tobacco Intake

 Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from a herb plant in the genus Nicotina containing a toxin called nicotine that produced euphoric effect in human brain if taken. Besides nicotine, there are tar and other chemical substances which give a remarkable sensation if taken. It is taken in many ways. Chewing tobacco, cigarette, beetle, bidi hookah, tambaku, surti, jarda ,etc. are common forms of tobacco intake. Tobacxo gums are also manufactured in the form of chewing gum, which is helpful for those who want to give up tobacco.

Tobacco is a major cause of disases all over the world. About five million people are dying in the world every year due to tobacco borne diseases. It is estimated that the number will be ten millions within the year 2020 AD. It has been proved that thance of heart diseases , brain strokes,  Asthama,and lung cancer is 3, 1.5,1.5 and 12 times more respectively in tobacco users than others. It lowers the body temperature and reduces temperature difference between the environment and body. Due to the fall in difference temperature, the user feels virtual warmth, which leads people to tobacco abuse. Tobacco contains more than 4000 poisonous substances in it . Among them 43 substances including nicotine and tar are carcinogenic (ie causing cancer ) found in tobacco.

Causes of tobacco intake

There are many causes behind developing the habit of tobacco intake. People start tobacco intake primarily in the late childhood and adolescent period. Some of the main causes are listed below

1. Imitation of tobacco intake among peer groups. 
2. Request and pressure among friend's circle.

1. Imitation of the senior members in family and community.
2. To satisfy the curiosity to taste and become habituated.
3. To believe the wrong concept that it reduces tension and gives pleasure.
4. To have a desire to be matured and adult.
5. To adopt the habit as fashion.
6. To feel warm in cold seasons.

Effects of tobacco intake

Short term effects

1. Vertigo and nausea in the begginers.
2. Feeling of intoxicated sensation with change in  brain waves, which the abusers term as "pleasure".
3. Sudden fall in body temperature.
4. Increase in pulse rate.
5. Irritation in respiratory track.

Long term effects

1. Teeth, skin, nails, fingers, and palm turn yellowish in color.
2. Asthama , cough, cancers, and heart diseases.
3. High chance of heart attack and brain stroke.
4. Low function of nervous system. Gradual damage of optic nerve causing blurred  vision and progressive blindness.
5. Stillbirths or miscarriage in women.
6. Increased level of nicotine, causing desire of regular and continued nicotine intake.

Control of tobacco intake

1. Management of proper health education including the knowledge about tobacco.
2. Awareness program in village and town areas especially focused among adolesscents.
3. Declaration of smoking free zones in public places.
4. Restriction in advertisements in public media and public places.
5. Encouraging people to have healthy personal habits.
6. If the abusers want to give up this habit, following methods can be adopted.

Have a strong commitment to give up tobacco and stop the habit abruptly.

If not possible, start declined does with reduced frequency.

Initiate soft forms of tobacco like tobacco gums and other soft alternatives like clove,pippers, etc.

Increase involment in creative ,recreational, and entertaining activities.