Chronic use of which drug has been linked to bronchitis, emphysema, cancer, stroke, and heart attack?
A alcohol
B tobacco
C marijuana
D morphine
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B tobacco.
Tobacco use, particularly smoking, has been strongly linked to numerous serious health conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, cancer, stroke, and heart attack. Smoking tobacco exposes the lungs to a range of harmful chemicals, including tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. These substances contribute to the inflammation and narrowing of airways, making it more difficult to breathe and increasing the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes bronchitis and emphysema.
Bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to chronic coughing and mucus production. Emphysema involves damage to the air sacs in the lungs, impairing the ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide effectively. Both conditions are common in long-term smokers and are collectively referred to as COPD.
Tobacco use is also the leading cause of lung cancer. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke damage the DNA in lung cells, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors. Smoking is responsible for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases.
Smoking contributes to cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke by promoting the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis). These blockages can restrict blood flow to the heart and brain, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Additionally, tobacco use increases blood pressure and promotes clot formation, further heightening these risks.
While alcohol, marijuana, and morphine can also have serious health effects, they are not as directly linked to the wide range of diseases associated with tobacco smoking. In fact, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death globally.