Despite the well-documented risks, there are millions of people smoking every day worldwide. The harmful effects of tobacco smoking go beyond affecting your lungs, damaging almost all parts of your body. In fact, smoking is one of the largest preventable causes of death here in Australia. In this blog, we’ve explained all the risks associated with smoking so that you know how crucial it is to quit smoking. Let’s dive in:
What is Smoking, and Why is it Hard to Quit?
Smoking refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling smoke from tobacco, a burning plant material. This smoke releases over 7000 chemicals, out of which 70% are known to cause cancer. This includes tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine, carcinogenic chemicals and toxins. Within 10 seconds of inhaling your first puff, all these toxic chemicals go to all your organs, including the brain and heart.
Nicotine, a highly addictive substance present in cigars, makes your brain release a happy chemical called dopamine. This improves your mood, helps you concentrate more and gives you that extra kick of energy. However, they don’t last long. When the nicotine fades away, your brain starts to crave more. With time, this makes you more dependent on cigarettes, and when absent, you experience withdrawal symptoms. You may become more anxious, nervous and feel irritated without it. So, to cope with this, you smoke more, and the cycle becomes harder to break.
General Health Effects Caused By Smoking
Effects on Your Organs
Impact on the Lungs:
Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, responsible for 90% of all lung cancer deaths. It also leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions cause severe breathing difficulties and can significantly impact your everyday life. The risk increases with the increase of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking.
Impact on the Heart:
Smoking damages your heart and blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular diseases like heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Estimates show that smoking increases these risks by 2 to 4 times. The chemicals in cigarette smoke create atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Impact on the Liver and Kidneys:
Smoking increases the risk of liver and kidney cancers, too. Cigarette toxins can cause cirrhosis and permanent liver scarring. This can lead to a buildup of lipids in your liver.
Respiratory Issues
Smoking is the main cause of COPD, a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. Regular smoking also worsens asthma and increases the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. The constant exposure to smoke irritates the airways and lungs, leading to chronic respiratory conditions. It is said that smokers are 10 to 12 times more likely to die from COPD, compared to non-smokers.
Effects on the Circulatory System
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) leads to narrowed arteries, reducing blood flow to the limbs. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing PAD, which can lead to pain, mobility issues, and, in severe cases, even limb amputation.
Reproductive and Developmental Effects
Smoking reduces fertility in both men and women. In men, it can lead to impotence due to restricted blood flow, and in women, it can cause problems with the reproductive system, making it harder to become pregnant.
Apart from this, pregnant women who smoke are at a higher risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in their babies. Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
Mental and Cognitive Effects Caused by Smoking
Cognitive Decline:
Cigarettes cause an increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairments. They can cause significant damage to the brain parts that are responsible for learning and self-restraint. The reduction in blood flow and the presence of harmful chemicals in the brain can accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of neurological diseases. Additionally, a study states that smoking can lead to a decrease in brain volume, which can affect the user’s cognitive functions.
Mood Disorders:
When you try quitting, withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, and mood swings kick in. These side effects can affect your mental health, causing irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
Secondary Effects Due to Smoking
Effects on Your Appearance
Impact on the Skin:
Smoking causes early ageing and premature wrinkles due to reduced blood flow and oxygen to the skin. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke damage collagen and elastin, leading to sagging skin and an ageing appearance.
Impact on the Teeth and Gums:
Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and tooth sensitivity. The chemicals in tobacco smoke irritate the gums and teeth, leading to periodontal disease and other dental problems.
Sensory Impairments:
Smoking can lead to serious eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. This can result in vision loss. It also affects hearing by reducing blood flow to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss over time.
The Final Verdict
Smoking affects nearly every organ in your body. From cancer and respiratory issues to cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline, the side effects of smoking are numerous and severe. Quitting smoking is one of the best actions you can take to improve your health and reduce these risks. Remember, it’s never too late to quit!
