Categories Health

10 Harmful Effects of Smoking

Cigarette smoking is extremely detrimental to health. It has many adverse effects on the body and leads to a number of different diseases. While the exact impact on your health can be explained by a general physician in Lahore or your area, this article provides you with some basics.

Below are 10 harmful effects of smoking on health:

  1. Lung damage

Cigarettes are extremely bad for the lung. They are linked to various types of lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) as well as lung cancer. In fact, smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of lung cancer among most people. Studies show that the risk of developing lung cancer increases by about 25 times for men and 25.7 times for women.

  1. Heart diseases

Harmful substances present in cigarettes adversely affect blood cells, blood vessels, and the heart. Tar can cause a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, leading to blockades. These blockades then limit the flow of blood to the heart which can cause strokes and heart attacks. Other effects include narrowing of the arteries, increased risk of angina (severe chest pain), blood clotting, as well as peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Effect of Smoking

  1. Fertility problems

As tobacco and the other chemicals in cigarettes affect hormone levels, smoking can damage the female reproductive system, resulting in complications for conceiving. In the case of males, excessive smoking can lead to erectile dysfunction as well as adversely affect the quality of sperms, resulting in reduced fertility.

  1. Risk of pregnancy complications

Smoking can cause many complications for pregnant women. It can increase the risk of abnormal pregnancy, reduced birth weight of the baby, and increased risk of premature delivery. Moreover, it can result in damaging the lungs, brain, and central nervous system of the fetus, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, as well as contributing to congenital abnormalities.

  1. Increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Research suggests that smoking can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, it makes it more difficult for patients who already have cancer to control their sugar levels.

  1. A weakening of the immune system

Smokers become more prone to diseases as smoking causes the weakening of their immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections.

  1. Problems with vision

Although this side effect is less commonly known, cigarettes can hamper the vision of consumers. Problems include dryness of the eyes, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, as well as a higher risk of cataracts and age-related muscular degeneration.

  1. Oral hygiene issues

Tobacco causes staining of the teeth. Moreover, smoking can lead to a number of dental problems such as swollen and tender gums, bleeding when brushing, loose teeth, and sensitivity.

  1. Unhealthy skin and hair

Smoking can damage skin and hair. It can result in prematurely aged, wrinkled skin, hair loss, and balding. It increases the risk of skin cancer, especially on the lips. Smoking also leaves a lasting smell in the hair and skin.

  1. Risk of other cancers

In addition to lung cancer, cigarette smoking may contribute to a higher risk of many types of cancers. These include pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, stomach cancer, mouth cancer, laryngeal cancer, throat cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, as well as acute myeloid leukemia.

Smoking is highly addictive and leads to a plethora of harmful effects on the body. Thus if you or someone you know need help giving up this dangerous habit, please reach out to a competent general physician in Karachi or your city of residence, today.