why is smoking harmful to health?

Smoking is an addiction that is hard to control, no matter how much you try. If you have been addicted to tobacco products for a very long time then you know that it is very hard to quit. Many people smoke just because of the bad taste and smell of tobacco.

But you must know that it is not only about the bad smell and taste, it is the harmful chemicals present in tobacco products that can be harmful to your health. If you smoke a pack of cigarettes each day then you may be exposed to hundreds of harmful chemicals.

I am not talking about nicotine, which is highly addictive and harmful. But the chemicals present in tobacco products can lead to serious diseases and conditions.

Let’s talk about some serious health problems caused by smoking.

Heart disease

In heart, disease blood cannot supply enough oxygen to the heart muscle cells. As a result, the heart starts to beat irregularly and weakly. This can eventually lead to congestive heart failure, which may be fatal. You may have heard that smoking can cause a heart attack.

If you have ever smoked, then you have a 50 per cent chance of having a heart attack. It is said that smoking may double the risk of heart attacks and other cardiac problems.

Lung cancer

Another problem caused by smoking is lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among smokers. According to a study, people who smoke have a 25 times more risk of developing lung cancer.

Cancer

Smokers are more likely to get cancer in the mouth, esophagus, throat, larynx, lungs, pancreas, kidney, bladder and cervix.

Stroke

Smoking can also cause stroke, and it is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A stroke is a neurological impairment caused by a sudden blockage in blood flow to the brain. It can be caused by a number of factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes. If left untreated, stroke can lead to serious long-term consequences, including paralysis and even death.

Cough

If you smoke for a very long time then you will have to face a number of health issues. One of the major health issues is constant coughing. You will be forced to cough due to the exposure of smoke in the lungs.

Diabetes

People who are smoking are more likely to develop diabetes as compared to people who are not. The link between smoking and diabetes is well-established. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of type 2 diabetes, and the risk increases with each additional pack smoked per day. People who are diabetic are also more likely to smoke, and smoking is a major risk factor for developing diabetes.

Blood clot

Smoking can cause blood clots, and it can lead to deep vein thrombosis.

Kidney disease

The kidneys are the main organs that filter harmful substances out of the blood. So, if you smoke, you may have a greater risk of developing kidney diseases.

Sleep problems

Smoking affects your sleep quality, and you may have a hard time falling asleep at night. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco can make it difficult to fall asleep, as the nicotine in these substances can keep you awake. Smoking also increases the risk of snoring and sleep apnea, which can cause disruption of your sleep.

Skin problems

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and smoking can cause skin problems like rashes, acne, and skin cancers.

Mouth ulcers

If you smoke then you will get mouth ulcers. These ulcers are caused due to constant exposure to nicotine. The ulcers will be painful and can be a cause of bad breath.

Conclusion:

Now, you can easily imagine that smoking is not a good habit. It is very important to quit it as soon as possible because it is the only way to live a healthy life.

If you want to quit smoking, you can take advantage of smoking cessation programs. It will help you to quit smoking by offering tips, nicotine replacement therapies and other effective methods.