ENT Disorders as a Result of Smoking
India is home to 267 million tobacco users, many of whom smoke cigarettes and bidis. 28.6% of India’s population uses tobacco, and 10.7% of all Indian adults smoke. These figures not only point out the prevalence of tobacco use in India, but also the consequences of tobacco use, which can result in a range of ENT (ear, nose, and throat) disorders or complications. ENT specialists in Gurgaon credit a wide range of ailments to smoking and regular tobacco use. These ailments include:
Head and Neck Cancers
Smoking is among the leading cause of head and neck cancers, including laryngeal cancers, throat cancers, oral cancer, and lesser-known cancer types such as nasal cavity cancer and salivary gland cancer. Affecting the ears, nose, and throats, these cancers are primary examples of life-threatening diseases linked to smoking. The link between cancers of the ears, nose, and throat is so strong that, tobacco use is said to be a cause in:
- 64% of Laryngeal Cancers
- 17% of Oral Cancers
- 37% of Pharyngeal Cancers
- 25% of Nasopharyngeal Cancers
Bearing in mind the causative link between smoking and ears, nose, and throat cancers, the leading ENT surgeons in Gurgaon recommend periodical ENT checkups for smokers, as a significant means of cancer screening. Smoking can cause other ear, nose, and throat issues as well. Read further to know more.
Tinnitus & Hearing Loss
Tinnitus is a condition of the ears defined by ringing sounds in the ears. Smoking is side to aggravate Tinnitus by acting as a stimulant and restricting blood glow. Apart from Tinnitus, studies suggest that smokers are 75% more likely to experience some degree of hearing loss.
Apart from cancers of the ears, nose, and throat, and tinnitus, the impact of smoking is extensive, often leading to:
- GERD
- Loss of taste and smell
- Cleft lip and palate
- Chronic laryngitis
- Thyroid disorders
- Bad breath
- Throat hoarseness and discomfort
- Ear infections
With an understanding of the impacts of smoking on the ears, nose, and throat, leading ENT surgeons in Gurgaon recommend periodical ENT consultations for smokers. Miracles Healthcare is home to leading ENT specialists in Gurgaon, making effective ENT disorders treatment available to all.
