Introduction
Smoking is one of the most hazardous habits affecting a person’s health, and it gives rise to many serious health conditions. There are innumerable campaigns of awareness, yet millions of people are still susceptible to the ill health caused by smoking. This article looks at how smoking impairs health, diseases caused by smoking. Most importantly, we will look at how a person can prevent smoking.
1: Smoking and Health Effects Smoking impacts every organ in the body, and causes many hazardous diseases. Smoking cigarettes exposes the user to over 7000 chemicals and 69 carcinogenic chemicals.
Significant health consequences of smoking:
• Cancer: Smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancer cases. Smoking is associated with cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, kidneys, and other sites.
• Heart and blood diseases: Smoking increases the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
• Respiratory diseases: Smoking can also have an impact on conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) which encompasses bronchitis and emphysema.
• Reproductive Health: Smoking decreases fertility in both men and women and increases the risk of complications during the pregnancy period. This includes premature birth, and low birth weight infants.
2. Smoking and Life Expectancy
According to new research, smoking one cigarette may take 20 minutes from a person’s life. This indicates that even a small amount can lead to health consequences.
3. Smoking and Cancer
Tobacco use is the leading cause of lung cancer; cigarette smoke is responsible for a number of cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, kidneys, and a number of other sites as a result of all the cancer causing chemicals in cigarette smoke.
4. Smoking and Heart Disease
Smoking raises the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. It can also lead to atherosclerosis – the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels.
5. Smoking and the Respiratory System
Smoking can lead to chronic diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) including bronchitis and emphysema. These diseases lead to difficulty breathing and less quality of life.
6. Smoking and Reproductive Heath
Smoking can lower fertility in both men and women, and leads to pregnancy risks such as premature delivery and low birth weight. Smoking can also negatively affect the quality of a man’s sperm.
7. Smoking and Skin
Smoking increases the aging of your skin, including more wrinkles and discoloration. Smoking reduces the skin’s ability to repair or regenerate, and reduces the ability to heal wounds.
8. Smoking and Eyes
Cigarette smoking increases the risk for eye diseases, including cataracts and macular degeneration which can cause blindness.
9. Smoking and Diabetes
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30–40%. Smoking also makes it more difficult to manage blood sugar if you already have diabetes.
10. Other Health Effects of Smoking
• Oral Health, including gum disease and oral cancers
• Bone Health, such as osteoporosis and greater prevalence of fractures
• Senses, such as diminished taste and smell
11. Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke also has serious health effects. It causes cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems, especially in children.
12. The Benefits of Quitting Smoking
There are many benefits to quitting smoking:
• Health: Decreased risk of disease and improved overall well-being
• Financial: Money saved on cigarettes
• Social: Better social relationships and reduced exposure of others to harmful smoke
13. Strategies for Quitting Smoking
• Get help: Discuss with health professionals, or join a smoking cessation program
• Consider using medications (i.e. Nicotine replacement therapy and/or other medications that can help you quit)
• Try other approaches (i.e. exercise, proper nutrition and avoiding cues that increase your cravings)
FAQ 5 Critical Questions Regarding Smoking and Health
1. What toxic substances are contained in cigarettes?
Cigarettes alone contain over seven thousand chemicals, including more than 69 elements known to cause cancer, some include tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide.
2. Does smoking cause other diseases besides cancer?
Yes. Smoking can also result in heart disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses including COPD, type 2 diabetes, and reproductive issues.
3. Is secondhand smoke dangerous to other people?
Yes. Secondhand smoke can cause cancer and other health problems to non-smokers, including children.
4. What are the benefits of quitting smoking?
Quitting smoking decreases the chances of getting diseases, improves quality of life, and saves money.
5. How can someone quit smoking successfully?
By getting help from their health care provider, engaging in nicotine replacement therapy, and eliminating triggers that create cravings.
……..
Conclusion
Smoking has a significant negative factor on your health. Quitting smoking is an important step to improve your overall health and quality of life. If you are a smoker, take control of your health, today is the best time to begin quitting!
