Tobacco use refers to the consumption of tobacco products, which can be smoked, chewed, or inhaled. It is a leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide.
Epidemiology
- In 2017, the prevalence of tobacco use in the United States was 15,150 per 100,000 population
- Tobacco use is the most prevalent substance use disorder globally
- In 2019, an estimated 53.3% of high school students and 24.3% of middle school students in the U.S. reported having ever tried a tobacco product
Pathophysiology
- Tobacco use leads to addiction primarily due to nicotine, which affects the brain's reward system. Chronic exposure to tobacco smoke or smokeless tobacco can cause various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Clinical course
- Tobacco use often begins in adolescence and can lead to a lifelong addiction. It is associated with a high rate of relapse, emphasizing the strong addictive nature of nicotine
Prognosis
Tobacco use is associated with a high disease burden. In 2019, smoking tobacco use accounted for 7.69 million deaths and 200 million disability-adjusted life-years globally
Risk factors
- Genetic factors: Genetic factors influence smoking behaviors and tobacco use disorder
- Age: Most tobacco use begins during adolescence
- Exposure to secondhand smoke: Exposure to secondhand smoke is a risk factor for tobacco use and its associated diseases
In conclusion, tobacco use is a significant public health issue with a high prevalence and disease burden. It is influenced by genetic factors and often begins in adolescence. The prognosis is poor due to the high disease burden associated with tobacco use.