Telangana Smoking Rates Surge: Doctors Urge Complete Quitting

Smoking rates are alarmingly increasing across Telangana, with recent data indicating a significant rise in both rural and urban areas. The share of smokers in rural Telangana nearly doubled from 11.3% in 2011 to 23.2% in 2023, while urban rates climbed from 14.5% to 25.2% over the same period. This trend extends to other tobacco products like bidis and gutkha, showing an overall prevalence increase from 41% to 52% in rural and 23.7% to 28% in urban settings.

Health professionals stress that partial reduction of smoking is ineffective; complete quitting is essential for mitigating severe health risks such as lung cancer and COPD. A consultant pulmonologist shared a case study of a surgeon who quit after two decades, inspired by a doctor's blunt advice to witness his daughters' lives. This underscores the effectiveness of total cessation, often aided by nicotine replacement therapies.

Doctors are also concerned about the growing popularity of vaping among young people, who incorrectly believe it to be a safer option. Vaping devices heat liquids containing nicotine and other chemicals, potentially releasing harmful heavy metals into the lungs. The detrimental effects of long-term smoking are far-reaching, impacting not only the lungs but also the brain and other vital organs, and can even lead to fertility issues.