ILL EFFECTS OF SMOKING

 

Effects of Tobacco on Health

                          Credits:google

TOBACCO COMPOSITION

Tobacco is a powerhouse of about 5000 toxic substances. The three are majorly dangerous:

  1. Nicotine
  2. Tar
  3. Carbon Monoxide

Of these, Nicotine is the one that causes the behavioral effects of tobacco, predominate being, addiction.

While smoking can lead to some ongoing complications over the years, some of its physical effects are rather immediate. Read on to educate yourself on a few of them.

EFFECTS PREGNANCY

Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening reproductive complication in women that is more likely in smokers. It occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus. The egg can’t survive and it puts mom's life at serious risk.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer, which forms in your intestines (colon or rectum), is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. One of the reasons? Yup, cigarette smoking. Smoking is linked to an increased risk of developing and dying from this type of cancer.

EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The effects of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system include:

  • irritation of the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box) 
  • reduced lung function and breathlessness due to swelling and narrowing of the lung airways and excess mucus in the lung passages 
  • impairment of the lungs’ clearance system, leading to the build-up of poisonous substances, which results in lung irritation and damage 
  • increased risk of lung infection and symptoms such as coughing and wheezing 
  • permanent damage to the air sacs of the lungs

DIGESTION RELATED AILMENTS

The probability of contracting Mouth, Larynx, Esophagus, and Mouth cancer increases manifold by regular consumption of tobacco. Studies also suggest that smokers are at high risk of developing Pancreatic cancer.

CANCERS:

Smoke increases the risk of cancers of Head and Neck, Oesophagus, Stomach, Pancreas, Liver, Kidney, Ureter, Urinary bladder, Uterus, Cervix and Bone Marrow. The chewable form increases the cancers of the Oral cavity, Oesophagus and Pancreas.


Wrinkles

Regular smoking causes dry, patchy skin and premature aging. Since smoking also affects the blood flow to the skin, it eventually gets deprived of essential nutrients.

Heart Diseases

Smoking has an adverse impact on the entire cardiovascular system. Nicotine causes the blood vessels to tighten which obstructs the blood flow. Smoking increases the occurrences of blood clots, raises blood pressure and makes the blood vessels weak. These harmful effects are not restricted to chain smokers alone, even secondhand or passive smokers are at equally high risk if they get regular exposure to cigarette smoke.


Research has shown that teen tobacco users are more likely to use alcohol and illegal drugs than are non-users. Teens who smoke are also more likely to get into fights, carry weapons, attempt suicide, suffer from mental health problems such as depression, and engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. This doesn’t necessarily mean that tobacco use caused these behaviors, but they’re more common in teens who use tobacco.

In addition, using e-cigarettes (also known as vaping) might play a part in a kid or teenager wanting to experiment with other tobacco products.





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