Tobacco and Nicotine: Understanding the Facts
What is tobacco?
Tobacco is a plant. Its leaves are dried and processed to create various tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snus.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical found in tobacco. It is responsible for the addictive nature of tobacco products and keeps people coming back for more.
How does tobacco affect the body?
Tobacco is the largest avoidable cause of ill health and premature death in Europe. 20% of the Maltese population over 15 years of age are still reported to be daily smokers. Second-hand smoke also harms the people around you, especially children, who have a smaller lung capacity than adults.
• Tobacco use is associated with various health risks, including:
• Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
• Respiratory problems like chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• Various types of cancer, including lung, throat, and mouth cancer,
• Reduced lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Increased risk of infertility and pregnancy complications in women
• Weakening of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections
How does nicotine affect the body?
When nicotine is consumed, whether by smoking, chewing, or vaping, it rapidly enters the bloodstream and affects various organs and systems in the body. Here's how nicotine affects the body:
• Brain: Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that acts on the brain's reward system, increasing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This leads to feelings of pleasure and relaxation, which reinforces the urge to use nicotine again.
• Heart: Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure, causing the heart to work harder. Long-term use can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Lungs and Respiratory System: Smoking or vaping nicotine exposes the lungs to harmful chemicals and toxins, leading to inflammation and damage to the lung tissue. This damage can result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an increased risk of respiratory infections.
• Cardiovascular System: Nicotine narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow and potentially increasing the risk of blood clots and atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries).
• Gastrointestinal System: Nicotine can cause an increase in stomach acid production, potentially leading to heartburn and other digestive issues.
• Adrenal Glands: Nicotine stimulates the release of adrenaline, which can lead to increased alertness and a temporary energy boost.
• Skin: Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin, which can result in premature aging, wrinkles, and a yellowish tint to the skin in chronic smokers.
• Nervous System: Nicotine is a stimulant, so it can enhance cognitive performance, concentration, and attention temporarily. However, it can also lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms when not present in the body.