Every year on May 31st, World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and encourage smokers to quit. This year, the focus is on protecting children from tobacco industry interference. Tobacco consumption, whether through cigarettes, cigars, hookah, or e-cigarettes, poses severe health risks, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. This article aims to educate smokers and tobacco users about the importance of quitting and the diagnostic tests available to monitor the impact of tobacco on health.
The Harmful Effects of Tobacco
Pathology tests are fundamental to the medical field, serving as essential tools for accurate diagnosis and disease management. These tests analyze samples to detect abnormalities and conditions, influencing crucial healthcare decisions. From simple blood glucose tests to complex cancer biopsies, each test provides vital information that helps in crafting personalized treatment plans. At Dr. Vaidya’s Lab, we ensure that our pathology services meet the highest standards of quality, providing reliable results to our patients.
Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide. It can lead to a multitude of health problems, including:
Cancer: Lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, and kidney cancers are linked to smoking.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Smoking increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
Respiratory Problems: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema are common among smokers.
Other Health Issues: Smoking can cause infertility, complications during pregnancy, and weakened immune system.
Protecting the Youth from Tobacco Industry Interference
The tobacco industry targets young people to replace customers who quit or die from tobacco-related diseases. With products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, the industry appeals to adolescents through social media and streaming platforms. According to WHO, at least 37 million young people aged 13-15 use tobacco worldwide. Protecting the youth from these manipulative tactics is crucial for a healthier future.
Key Diagnostic Tests to Monitor Health
Regular health checkups are essential for smokers and tobacco users to detect and manage health issues early. Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory offers a comprehensive Smoking / Tobacco Impact Health Checkup package, including 73 tests for just ₹2999. These tests cover various health aspects, such as:
Special Tests:
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): Measures blood glucose levels. High levels may indicate diabetes, which is exacerbated by smoking.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA): A marker for certain types of cancers, including those related to smoking.
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin): Provides an average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. Important for managing diabetes risk.
Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and blood cell production. Smoking can affect vitamin B12 absorption.
Vitamin D Total: Important for bone health and immune function. Smokers often have lower levels of Vitamin D.
Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (AAT): Helps protect the lungs. Deficiency can lead to emphysema, worsened by smoking.
Nicotine Metabolites: Measure the levels of nicotine breakdown products, indicating tobacco exposure.
Lipid Profile Tests:
LDL Cholesterol: “Bad” cholesterol that can lead to artery blockage. Smoking increases LDL levels.
Total Cholesterol: Sum of all cholesterol types. High levels increase the risk of heart disease.
HDL Cholesterol: “Good” cholesterol that helps remove LDL. Smoking lowers HDL levels.
Triglycerides: High levels can increase heart disease risk. Smoking is a contributing factor.
Serum VLDL Cholesterol: Another type of “bad” cholesterol. Elevated by smoking.
LDL/HDL Ratio: Assesses heart disease risk. Smoking can worsen this ratio.
TC/HDL Cholesterol Ratio: Another heart disease risk marker. Smoking negatively impacts this ratio.
Non-HDL Cholesterol: Total cholesterol minus HDL. Elevated by smoking.
HDL / LDL Cholesterol Ratio: A balanced ratio is crucial. Smoking disrupts this balance.
TRIG / HDL Ratio: Higher ratios indicate increased heart disease risk. Smoking is a major factor.
Liver Function Tests (LFT):
Albumin: A protein made by the liver. Smoking can impair liver function.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme related to liver and bone health. Affected by smoking.
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Elevated levels can indicate liver damage from smoking.
Proteins: Total protein levels. Smoking can impact protein synthesis.
Alanine Transaminase (SGPT / ALT): An enzyme indicating liver health. Smoking can cause elevated levels.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST / SGOT): Another liver enzyme. High levels can indicate damage from smoking.
Bilirubin Direct and Indirect: Indicates liver function and bile excretion. Smoking can cause abnormalities.
Albumin/Globulin Ratio: Assess liver function. Smoking impacts this ratio.
Bilirubin Total: High levels can indicate liver dysfunction.
Globulin: A group of proteins. Smoking can disrupt normal levels.
SGOT/SGPT Ratio: Important for diagnosing liver conditions. Smoking can alter this ratio.
Thyroid Profile Tests:
Thyroxine (T4): A primary thyroid hormone. Smoking affects thyroid function.
Triiodothyronine (T3): Another key thyroid hormone. Impacted by smoking.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone – Ultrasensitive (UTSH): Regulates thyroid activity. Smoking can cause imbalances.
Renal/Kidney Function Tests (RFT/KFT):
Uric Acid: High levels can lead to gout, worsened by smoking.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)/Serum Urea: Indicates kidney function. Smoking can cause kidney damage.
Calcium (Ca): Essential for bones. Smoking can affect calcium metabolism.
Creatinine: A marker of kidney function. Elevated by smoking.
EGFR: Estimates kidney filtration rate. Smoking can impair kidney function.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio: Assesses kidney health. Smoking can disrupt this ratio.
Urea/Creatinine Ratio: Another kidney function indicator affected by smoking.
Urea (Calculated): Helps assess kidney function.
Iron Profile:
Serum Iron: Measures iron levels. Smoking can impact iron metabolism.
Transferrin Saturation: Indicates how much iron is bound. Affected by smoking.
Total Iron Binding Capacity: Measures blood’s ability to carry iron. Smoking can alter this capacity.
UIBC: Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity. Smoking impacts this measurement.
CBC Test:
AEC Test: Absolute Eosinophil Count. Smoking can increase eosinophil levels.
Haemoglobin (Hb): Vital for oxygen transport. Smoking can cause elevated or reduced levels.
Platelet Count: Essential for blood clotting. Smoking affects platelet production.
Erythrocyte Count (RBC): Red blood cells. Smoking can lead to abnormal counts.
Mean Cell Volume (MCV): Average size of red blood cells. Affected by smoking.
Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH): Average hemoglobin per red blood cell. Impacted by smoking.
Mean Corpuscular Hb Concentration (MCHC): Hemoglobin concentration per red blood cell. Smoking can cause imbalances.
Total Leucocytes/WBC Count (TLC): White blood cells. Smoking can cause elevated counts.
Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC): Immune cells. Smoking impacts immune function.
Absolute Basophils Count (ABC): Part of the immune system. Affected by smoking.
Packed Cell Volume (PCV): Percentage of red blood cells. Smoking can alter this value.
Neutrophils: A type of white blood cell. Smoking increases neutrophil counts.
Lymphocytes: Key immune cells. Smoking impacts their levels.
Monocytes: White blood cells that fight infections. Smoking affects their numbers.
Eosinophils: Linked to allergic reactions. Smoking can elevate levels.
Basophils: Involved in immune responses. Smoking affects their count.
Absolute Neutrophil Count: Important for infection defense. Smoking elevates levels.
Absolute Monocyte Count: Another measure of immune health. Affected by smoking.
Immature Granulocyte Percentage: Indicates bone marrow activity. Smoking can increase levels.
RDW SD: Red Cell Distribution Width Standard Deviation. Smoking can cause variations.
Nucleated Red Blood Cells Percentage: Indicators of bone marrow function. Smoking impacts this.
Immature Granulocytes: Young white blood cells. Elevated by smoking.
Nucleated Red Blood Cells: Young red blood cells. Smoking can cause higher counts.
RDW-CV: Red Cell Distribution Width Coefficient of Variation. Smoking causes variability.
Encouraging Tobacco Cessation
Quitting smoking and tobacco use can significantly improve health and reduce the risk of serious diseases. Here are some steps to help quit tobacco:
Seek Support: Join support groups or seek counselling. Emotional support from friends, family, or professionals can be invaluable.
Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Options include gums, patches, lozenges, and prescription medications that can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Adopt Healthy Habits: Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and stay hydrated. Physical activity can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid situations that trigger the urge to smoke. Create a smoke-free environment and develop new, healthy routines.
By making these changes, you can improve your chances of successfully quitting and enjoy the benefits of a tobacco-free life.
Cardiac Risk Markers:
High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP): Indicates inflammation. Elevated in smokers.
Lipoprotein (A): A type of lipoprotein-associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. High levels of Lipoprotein (A) can be exacerbated by smoking, leading to greater plaque buildup in arteries.
APO B/ APO A1 Ratio: This ratio is a powerful indicator of cardiovascular risk. Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) is a component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), while Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A1) is a component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Smoking can increase Apo B and decrease Apo A1, worsening this ratio and indicating a higher risk of heart disease.
Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A1): This protein is the main component of HDL cholesterol, which helps to remove cholesterol from arteries. Lower levels of Apo A1, often found in smokers, are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Apolipoprotein B (Apo B): This protein is the main component of LDL cholesterol, which contributes to plaque buildup in arteries. Smoking can increase Apo B levels, leading to higher risks of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Regular monitoring of these markers can provide critical insights into the cardiovascular health of smokers, allowing for early intervention and better management of health risks.
Conclusion
On World No Tobacco Day, take a step towards a healthier life by quitting smoking and tobacco use. Regular health checkups, such as the Smoking / Tobacco Impact Health Checkup offered by Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory, can help monitor your health and detect any issues early. Prioritize your health and well-being by making informed choices today.
For more information and to book your checkup, visit Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory in Thane, Borivali, Ambernath, and other locations. Take control of your health and ensure you are not at risk from smoking-related diseases.
