The combination of tea and cigarettes, often seen as a source of quick relaxation, has become a daily routine for millions globally, including many in Pakistan. Particularly popular among young adults, this pairing is commonly used as a way to relieve stress. However, health professionals warn that it’s a highly dangerous and potentially deadly habit.
Medical experts point out that regularly consuming tea while smoking can lead to serious health issues over time, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. A 2023 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that drinking extremely hot tea can damage the oesophagus lining. When paired with cigarette smoking, this significantly increases the risk of oesophageal cancer.
Tea contains caffeine, which can aid digestion by boosting stomach acid. However, excessive consumption may harm the stomach lining. Additionally, nicotine from cigarettes, when taken on an empty stomach with tea, can cause nausea, dizziness, and severe headaches.
Doctors highlight that smoking raises the risk of heart attacks by 7% and can reduce life expectancy by up to 20 years. Furthermore, inhaling steam from hot tea along with tobacco smoke can seriously damage the lungs.
Other major health risks linked to this habit include:
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Oesophageal and throat cancers
- Lung cancer
- Infertility and impotence
- Stomach ulcers
- Memory loss
- Brain and heart strokes
Experts note that many individuals turn to smoking for comfort and relaxation. However, nicotine addiction makes quitting difficult, as it triggers the release of brain chemicals that produce a temporary sense of calm and alertness.
Though it may seem like a harmless routine, the tea-and-cigarette habit is a silent killer. Health professionals strongly advise the public to reconsider this practice, warning that the brief comfort it brings can come at the cost of long-term, life-threatening consequences.
