Algerian Radio
On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, pulmonologists are once again stepping up to sound the alarm about the smoking epidemic that is plaguing society and affecting increasingly younger demographics.
During her appearance this Sunday on the "The Morning Guest" program on Algerian Radio's Channel 2, pulmonologist Kahina Bouaziz emphasized the need for strict supervision of children and continuous public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of cigarettes and pseudo-alternatives, whose flavorings are also carcinogenic.
Dr. Bouaziz first warned that "electronic cigarettes and shisha are also toxic, and even carcinogenic, albeit to a lesser degree than traditional cigarettes." However, she noted that traditional cigarettes remain "polluting not only for the individual but also for their entire environment, family, and society."
In this regard, the specialist explained that passive smokers are just as exposed to the dangers of tobacco as active smokers. "Both," she continued, "suffer from the same toxic effects of tobacco, namely cardiovascular system damage, worsening of asthma, bluish skin discoloration, drying out of the lungs, vocal cord damage, oral cavity cancer, breathing difficulties, and the risk of strokes."
She also pointed out that cigarette addiction leads to the progressive intoxication of the body, which in turn causes various ailments affecting the lungs, brain, and kidneys. This is particularly critical for the baby of a smoking mother who inhales smoke during pregnancy. This exposure can result in an infant born with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)—an incurable chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and permanent airway obstruction, leading to progressive shortness of breath.
The Channel 2 guest urged attending physicians to mandate immediate smoking cessation, calling on the willpower of smokers and the vigilance of parents to protect their children from nicotine addiction.
Furthermore, the speaker reminded the audience that treating smokers requires multidisciplinary teams to effectively address this scourge, which is expanding at all levels and affecting all social classes across both genders.
