Tobacco Use: A Global Public Health Problem

Tobacco Use Still a Public Health Problem, Says Coordinator of Pulmonology Course

According to Dr. Margarita Isabel Cervantes Rodríguez, coordinator of the undergraduate pulmonology course affiliated with the internal medicine module, smoking continues to be a global public health problem, unfortunately affecting young people from an early age with exposure to both tobacco and electronic cigarettes.

The pulmonologist explained that, for example, in vaping, unlike cigarette burning, there is no combustion of fuel. However, the quantities of nicotine in electronic cigarettes are higher, as well as the accessibility of these products. They can be easily obtained from kiosks outside certain shopping centers, as well as other stores and gas stations.

"In this way, young people are exposed to a highly addictive substance that leads to the consumption of other toxic substances in combination or eventually," such as marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs," she said.

She mentioned that there are currently various campaigns to quit tobacco use, which has led to the emergence of electronic cigarettes. "We know that we have more than four thousand known toxic substances, with over 50 of them being carcinogens, and nicotine is the main addictive substance," she added.

She reiterated that campaigns have been carried out over the years to quit smoking, such as banning cigarette advertising on television and prohibiting posters that promote smoking. Despite the increase in efforts, consumption continues.

Cervantes Rodríguez stated that cigarette packages now display images depicting the consequences of smoking, such as abortion, birth defects, animal extinction, and pollution of the seas and oceans.

"To date, we have a cessation plan in place that consists of a treatment that helps the body release dopamine, along with nicotine replacement therapy such as patches. For patients with serious dependencies, we offer a second nicotine replacement with gums or lozenges," she explained.

She added that this is not enough; there should also be cognitive-behavioral and psychological support to help people quit smoking because tobacco use is a disease.

She emphasized that with these cessation plans, improvements in tobacco abstinence, especially nicotine, have been observed in an eight to 12-week treatment plan, which leads to a high success rate in quitting smoking.

Regarding the negative effects of tobacco use, she mentioned dependency, consumption of other substances, and, in some cases, the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Other effects include diseases in children, environmental pollution, and more.

"There is treatment nowadays to quit smoking, and we must not forget that it is not only the person who smokes that is harmed, but also the effects of second and third-hand smoke on those around them," she concluded.

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