Tobacco and public health

Question 1

How many less years of life do smokers live?

Answer 1

10 years less

Question 2

List some health consequences of smoking to adults, foetuses, and children

Answer 2

10 yrs loss
fetal deaths, premature birth, low weight babies, increased risk of development anomalies
sudden infant death, asthma, bronchitis, ear disease, meningitis, likely to become a smoker

Question 3

Does smoking correlate with mental health disorders and low socio-economic status?

Answer 3

yes

Question 4

Explain the dopamine reward pathway in relation to nicotine addiction

Answer 4

release of dopamine in nucleus acumbens triggered by smoking
when side effects of nicotine decrease, dopamine release is then desensitised.
need to smoke to feel normal

Question 5

what are some medications to support quitting smoking?

Answer 5

nicotine replacement therapy

• varenicline - alpha,4,beta,2-nicotine receptor partial agonist
• brupropion