Smoking and your health – a thoracic surgeon tells you straight what's happening to your body 

Chronic tobacco smoking, also known as "nicotine addiction," is one of the most common addictions in Poland, regardless of gender. Unfortunately, statistics indicate a steady trend of addiction among men and an increasing trend among women. Nicotine addiction causes numerous health problems, primarily chronic respiratory diseases. The most serious condition is lung cancer, the primary cause of which is cigarette smoking in 85-90% of cases. Therefore, it is crucial to promote nicotine prevention and encourage smoking cessation as soon as possible.

Nicotine addiction is still a current social problem

Currently, there are numerous prevention programs aimed at combating chronic tobacco smoking. Despite a number of healthcare initiatives and government support programs, the problem of cigarette smoking remains a persistent problem. Compulsive smoking remains a chronic disease not only in Poland but also worldwide. Young people, even school-age youth, are increasingly turning to cigarettes. The scale of this problem has led to an epidemic of tobacco-related diseases, the negative consequences have impacted the health of society as a whole.

Prevention as a protective shield of health

Tobacco contained in cigarettes has long been a known stimulant with harmful health effects. Public awareness of both active and passive smoking , which significantly impact our health, is increasingly gaining attention . Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 carcinogenic substances , which negatively impact both the active smoker and those around them who inhale cigarette smoke. People nearby are also exposed to inhaling these substances, unknowingly increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the most important preventive measure is immediate cessation for smokers, and complete abstinence from nicotine for nonsmokers. This should serve as a role model for others struggling to quit. A "nonsmoker attitude" provides a protective shield against many diseases, including preventable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Nicotine addiction as a pathogenic factor

Smoking undoubtedly increases the risk of diseases related to the respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, and even nervous systems. Smoking coexisting with untreated atherosclerosis increases the risk of heart attack and ischemic stroke six-fold. The key action is to immediately quit smoking. Even in heavy smokers (20 cigarettes/24 hours), quitting reduces the risk of developing ischemic heart disease within five years. However, this risk is still higher compared to the non-smoking population. It is worth remembering that chronic smoking causes:

• eye diseases (AMD),
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system – osteoporosis,
• diseases of the oral mucosa.

All of the above diseases may additionally co-occur with lung cancer, which is the most common malignant tumor in the world population and causes the highest mortality.

Lung cancer is asymptomatic in its early stages, but progressive symptoms are associated with its advanced stage. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing lung cancer within 5 years. The above information does not exempt former smokers from the need for follow-up imaging tests. Computed tomography (CT) is a test that allows for the early detection of a suspicious nodule in the lung parenchyma. The most important principle is rapid diagnosis and possible qualification of the patient for thoracic surgery.

The sooner the better – GOLDEN RULE

Toxic substances contained in nicotine smoke irritate the layers of the respiratory epithelium, which routinely secretes sticky mucus. This causes inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract, creating unfavorable conditions during surgery. Therefore, for patients scheduled for open-chest surgery under general anesthesia and with tracheal intubation to stop smoking for approximately 4-6 weeks. This is to clear the entire airway and improve respiratory and circulatory capacity by up to 40%. Failure to adhere to the principles of nicotine abstinence before surgery can disrupt proper healing of the thoracotomy wound, and double the risk of pneumonia, thrombosis, and ultimately pulmonary embolism. It is estimated that smokers are 30-40% more likely to experience perioperative complications, prolonging the patient's hospital stay.

The effect of quitting smoking cigarettes – summary

Time away from the nicotine addiction significantly improves our health and well-being. Patients experience improvement within days of quitting.  Heart rate and blood pressure return to normal automatically. Within two weeks of abstinence, circulation and respiratory function improve. A year without smoking can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 50% over the next five years. People who quit smoking may be at lower risk of lung cancercompared to those who continue to smoke. Therefore, it is crucial for society to be aware that it's never too late to quit chronic tobacco smoking. The benefits will be felt by former smokers and their loved ones.

Dr. Tomasz Prystupa, MD

Junior Clinical Assistant

Thoracic Surgery USK 4 in Lublin

Author of numerous scientific papers in the field of thoracic surgery.

He has participated in national and international conferences on lung diseases treated with thoracic surgery. At the Luxmed Medical Center, he provides consultations on lung diseases and chest conditions treated with surgery.

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