Beneficial Effects of Melatonin - Assignment Example

Introduction Tobacco smoking has become a reprehensible behavior spreading all over the world like a wildfire. One can be right when referring to tobacco smoking as an epidemic. Nicotine a compound found in tobacco is responsible for the addiction that drive majority crazy all in an attempt to quench the thirst that comes with the addiction. Cases of health complications associated with the use of tobacco have been on the rise around the world with a noticeable correlation with the increase in number of companies producing tobacco products. It is imperative to undertake scrutiny on the effects of smoking cigarettes on several platforms. An attempt to make the world a better place begins with being informed on a particular issue. Second-hand smoke The issue about smoking is serious considering it does not only affect those consuming the product but also the people around them who inhale the smoke. The people around a smoker and who inhale the smoke can be referred to as second-hand smoke, passive smoke, or involuntary smoke. Involuntary smoking involves two processes. The first is called the sidestream smoke that is the smoke produced by a burning cigarette, and the other is known as mainstream smoke that is the smoke exhaled by the smoker. The increased portion of the smokers around the world has led to a significant increase in the chance of an individual being exposed to the dangerous chemical contained in the smoke. One can be exposed in cars, homes, elevators, and recreational places such as bars and restaurants. The amount of harmful tobacco smoke produced by a burning cigarette depends on the amount of pure tobacco content available in the cigarette. Measurement of second-hand smoke It is crucial to measure the rate of exposure to the harmful contents of cigarette smoke. One of the methods that can be used is in determining the concentration of nicotine in the indoor air. Relating the amount of nicotine in the air can estimate the exposure as the composition of other chemicals can be estimated. The other method that can be used is by measuring the level of cotinine in an individual suspected to be exposed to tobacco smoke. Cotinine is a byproduct of the breakdown of nicotine while it gets into the body. It can be obtained be measuring its content in urine, blood or saliva. The majority of individuals around the world tend to think that second-hand smoke is minute to be harmful to an individual. Contrary to the thoughts, second-hand smoke can cause harmful effects to an individual almost the same rate as a smoker. According to the American Lung Association, cases of cancer are noticeable among persons who have no record of smoking. Other tobacco-related illnesses such as ulcers and high blood pressure can be noticed among people who have no records of smoking. There are no levels of second-hand smoking that can be termed as safe. The majority of the people think that smoking indoors with open doors and windows reduces the effect of the same on those who are not smoking. The only way to prevent the effect of secondhand smoke is by separating the smokers from the non-smokers and ensuring that they are not exposed in any way (ASLAN H 9). Second-hand smoke and children A survey by the American Lung Association yields disheartening information that secondhand smoke is responsible for respiratory tract infection of about 150,000-300,000 infants in a year. Most of the adults in America smoke cigarette inside the house thus contaminating the indoor air that is inhaled by the infants. The system of an infant is underdeveloped and thus cannot resist or rather detoxify the toxic substances from the body. The rate at which infants are taken to the physician with respiratory problems is increasing thus an alarm that something needs to be done as soon as possible. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals Information from reports indicates that tobacco contains approximately seven thousand chemical compounds according to the American Lung Association (ALA). Approximately 250 of the chemical compounds are known to be harmful once in a human system. One may have a tendency of assuming that the numerous chemicals appear in minute quantities considering the size of a normal cigarette. However, the slightest exposure to this product can be harmful to ones health. The harmful effect of tobacco on ones health proves more dangerous as it takes place over time thus most of the times it goes unnoticeable with the majority of the patients finding out after visiting a physician. Some of the dangerous compounds include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia. Tobacco smoking causes harmful effects on various parts of the body of an individual over time. Surprisingly, even partial smokers are affected at almost the same rate as those who smoke. Effects on circulation Some of the chemical found in tobacco are directly absorbed into the bloodstream. The toxic substances have several detrimental effects on the various vital organs of the body. The toxic substances make the blood thicker which in turn increases the work rate of the heart that tries to pump the increased viscosity of blood. Such a scenario of thickened blood increases the chances of formation of blood clot in the veins that impose pressure weakening the blood vessels. The thickening of blood explains the increased cases if blood pressure among the smokers. Furthermore, the toxic substances lead to a reduction in the size of the blood vessels which in turn reducing the amount of oxygen supplied to vital organs such the brain and liver. Stomach The majority of the people who visit the physicians with stomach problems can rarely relate it to smoking. However, stomach ulcers can be attributed to smoking. The chemical compounds contained in tobacco interfere with the control mechanism of the lower part of the stomach. Improper closure if the control causes the acid produced in the stomach to rise in the wrong direction back to the gullet a process referred to as reflux. The lack of a neutralizing agent on the upper part of the stomach causes the acid to corrode strip off the mucus lining and cause wounds on the stomach linings. The condition if not controlled can worsen and develop into chronic ulcer and eventually stomach cancer. Skin Skin is the biggest organ in a human body. Efficient and proper functioning of the organ requires an ample supply of oxygen. Smoking of cigarette reduces the ability of the blood vessels to transport oxygen well by reducing the size and thus the carrying capacity. The carbon monoxide contained in the tobacco reduces the efficiency of hemoglobin in terms of proficiency to transport oxygen not only to the skin but also other vital organs such as the brain, liver, and kidney. A research by the World Health Organization indicates that a high percentage of smokers around the world look older and unhealthy compared to those who do not smoke. The skin has cells that need ample supply of oxygen to keep it dry and supple for good looks and flexibility (). Mouth and throat Smoking over a long period affects the mouth and throat. The enamel that is responsible for the white coloration of teeth is affected which offers an explanation as to why most smokers have coloration on the teeth. Also, some of the chemical contained in the tobacco cause mouth and throat cancer which eventually leads to death. Sharing of cigarette sticks among smokers is a common phenomenon around the world and especially the developing countries. Harmful bacteria can be passed from one person to the other through the sharing of a cigarette with an infected individual. However, all is not lost as the one can detoxify and maintain a better mouth health after putting an end to the smoking habit. Brain One of the vital and sensitive organs in a human body is the brain. Complete or partial smoker is likely to experience brain issues after intake of the toxic substance into the body. Long time smokers tend to be affected more by stroke. The toxic substances contained in the tobacco causes weakening of the blood vessel at a point. The weakening in conjunction with thickened blood increases pressures on the vessel that may eventually burst leading to paralysis. It brings about a condition known as subarachnoid haemorrhage. However, there is still a chance as one can quit smoking and with time the risk of having such a type of stroke is reduced. Lungs Cases of lung cancer have been on the rise around the world for decades. It is saddening that the majority of the people understand the effect of smoking and still smoke. The smoke inhaled as one is consuming tobacco, contains tiny particles that go straight to the lungs and clog the alveoli. The tiny air sucks are responsible for the exchange of gases as the oxygen goes in, and carbon IV oxide comes out. Clogging of the air sacks reduces efficiency in terms of what gas exchange. Such a scenario leads to a difficulty in breathing and, in the long run, one may become asthmatic. Furthermore, the seriousness of the situation is seen whereby partial smoker faces the same risk as the inhale the smoke. It is a crucial matter considering many parents do smoke around their kids with little concern for the future health of the kids (). Reproduction and sexual abilities The toxic substances found in cigarettes that interfere with blood flow have adverse effects on the sexual organs of both the male and female. Causes of low sperm count and erectile dysfunction has been on the rise among men around the world. The restricted blood flow to the sexual organs inhibits the process responsible for the formation of sperms. Furthermore, the low rate of formation of sperms leads inability to fertilize and get women pregnant thus causing problems and issues in various marriage institutions. Also, the harmful substances contained in tobacco cause women to experience difficulties in maintaining a pregnancy to maturity. The chemicals affect the supply of oxygen through the placenta to the fetus. Prolonged lack of supply of oxygen to the fetus eventually leads to death and thus miscarriage (PAWAR, PS; et al 51). Conclusion Smoking has claimed the life of many people both the guilty and the innocent. The authorities are forced to spend a lot of money in health care facilities in the provision of care and drugs to the cancer patients. Furthermore, the nicotine found in tobacco brings about a dangerous form of addiction. It is time for the authorities to improve measures and laws set that control smoking and its effect to the innocent. An example of such a measure is to increase tax on tobacco products making it expensive and discouraging consumers from purchasing the product. Also, the authorities should control the smoking area to prevent the non-smokers from the dangerous chemicals. Works Cited ASLAN H, KESİCİ H, ÇAYLI S, et al. Beneficial effects of melatonin and BQ-123 on the rat testis damage caused by cigarette smoke. Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences [serial online]. February 2015;45(1):11-17. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed April 27, 2015. PAWAR, PS; et al. The relation between price and daily consumption of cigarettes and bidis: Findings from the Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Wave 1 Survey. Indian Journal of Cancer. 51, S83-S87, Dec. 2, 2014. ISSN: 0019509X. Read More