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A recent study published in the journal Nature has revealed the harmful effect of smoking tobacco. It not only harms the body but also has a lasting impact on the immune system. It makes individuals more susceptible to diseases and infections even after quitting. Despite a decline in rates since the 1960s, it remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, causing over 480,000 deaths annually.
The Research
The study, conducted on 1,000 healthy individuals aged 20 to 69, highlighted that smoking diminishes the body's ability to fight off infections immediately and over time. As a result, this increases the risk of chronic diseases associated with inflammation. Factors such as body mass index and a latent herpes virus infection also affect immune response. However, smoking has the most significant impact, comparable to age and sex.
It also emphasized the importance of quitting smoking as soon as possible, especially for long-term immunity. While quitting does lead to some improvement in immune response, complete recovery takes years. The more someone has smoked, the greater the alteration in their immune response. The research showed that smoking has both short-term and long-term effects on adaptive immunity.
The Benefits of Quitting
Despite limitations such as the use of blood samples in the lab, the study suggested that reducing smoking, even in small amounts, is beneficial. The positive health effects of quitting smoking have long been documented. Reduced blood pressure, improved circulation, reduced risk of cancer and heart disease, and improved sense of smell and taste are just a few of note.
The findings also corroborate previous research on smoking's impact on the immune system. However, there is a call for future studies to address the homogeneity of participants and explore the broader impact of factors like genetic background and body weight on immune response.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the profound and lasting effects of smoking on the immune system. It also sheds some light on the "why" behind the development of conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in smokers, even after they quit.
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