Gutka is made by using ingredients like betel nut, catechu, paraffin wax slaked lime, areca nuts and tobacco. To provide it unique taste and tingling sensation in mouth thousands of other chemicals are used with these ingredients.These chemicals are also used to increase shelf-life of the product. Entire content is wrapped in an air-tight pouch to keep it safe from moisture. This is alternate for betel leaves. Chewing betel leaves with other ingredients is traditional mouth-freshener. People fond of tobacco add tobacco to the preparation, otherwise sweetened rose petals, peppermint powder, betel nut, cardamom are used to make it refreshing. Chewing and making betel nut leaves for refreshing breath and mouth is time consuming and needs ingredients. Gutka is pre-mixed with some ingredients and rest of the others are replaced by chemicals. It is easy to use and keep and is deliberately made highly addictive. There are mild to serious side effects of Gutka which affect individuals at some point.
* Carcinogenic EffectsBetel nut has potentially carcinogenic constituents, according to the NIH. Long-term use can cause oral submucous fibrosis, a condition that makes it difficult to open the mouth. It can also lead to pre-cancerous lesions in the mouth and a cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Regular use also may increase risk for other mouth cancers, as well as cancers of the liver, cervix, stomach, prostate and lung. Other acute effects can include rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure and worsening of asthma.
* Breathing ReactionSome people report breathing problems after using gutkha, according to the NIH. Some people experience wheezing and an increased breathing rate. While no documented allergic reactions exist in scientific literature, people who have allergies to other members of the Palmaceae, or palm, family theoretically may experience reactions to gutkha.
* Body ReactionsChemicals in the betel leaves can cause skin color changes, along with dilated pupils and blurred vision. Seizures have been reported with high doses, according to Aetna InteliHealth. Gutkha also may cause or worsen conditions that involve muscle stiffness, tremors, difficulty moving certain parts of the body, and involuntary mouth or face movements.
* ToxicitySome people experience toxicity symptoms from gutkha use, according to the NIH. These include increased saliva production, increased tearing, sweating, incontinence, diarrhea, flushing and fever. Other issues can include problems with eye movement, confusion, psychosis, amnesia or feeling euphoric. Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and memory lapse can occur with long-term use.
* Short-Term EffectsUsing gutkha can lead to vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea. It also can cause chest pain, either high or low blood pressure, raised skin temperature and irregular heart beat, according to the NIH. Betel chewing can harm gums as well, and people can experience burning and mouth dryness.