Effects of Smoking.

The Effect of smoking on health is very adverse, to the extent of smoking being called the biggest killer mankind has known. Reading smoking statistics and smoking facts will inform you on the world wide spread and the subsequent deaths, smoking causes.

The effects of smoking cigarette not only kills but can cause debilitating diseases which ensure a painful and unwanted sequence which ends in death. Contents of cigarette smoke are very hazardous and can give rise to serious diseases as explained below.

Side Effects of Smoking.

Side effects of smoking can be classified as

• smoking effects on the finances of the smoker,
• social effects of smoking, and
• health effects of smoking.

Effects of Smoking on Health.

Any minor vice, be it alcohol or smoking has side effects which are seen immediately and certain side effects which are seen over time. These dangers of smoking hopefully will convince and motivate you to quit smoking. You could classify effects of smoking as

• Short term effects of smoking, and
• Long term effects of smoking.

(A) Short Term Effects of Smoking.

1. Addiction is the first effect of smoking a cigarette. It is the addicted smoker who then gets exposed to other effects of smoking cigarette because it is addiction which keeps him being exposed to cigarette smoke.

2. Bad odor, foul smell, loss of taste, staining of teeth and fingers.

3. Increased attacks of cold and cough requiring longer recovery time.

4. Reduced appetite leading later to loss of weight.

5. Stimulation of brain activity.

6. Increase in blood pressure.

7. Increase in heart rate.

8. Smoking effects the blood vessels by constricting them. It causes deposits of cholesterol plaques on inner walls of the blood vessels leading to less blood supply. This is called atherosclerosis.

9. Tremors in the hands.

Image showing effects of smoking. (Click on picture to enlarge).

(B) Long Term Effects of Smoking.

Besides the adverse financial and social effects of smoking, effects of smoking cigarette on health are serious and mostly lethal. Below are explained the dangers of smoking which should motivate you to quit the habit. These harmful effects of smoking cigarettes extend to almost all systems of our body and greatly increase the mortality and morbidity rate of a smoker.

1. Smoking causes Cancer.

Smoking is the leading cause of cancer. Tobacco smoke contains more than 50 carcinogens and is the cause of cancer deaths in 30% of cancer cases in the developed countries. 90% of lung cancers are caused by tobacco smoking. Smoking can cause cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder and pancreas. About 10% of the smokers die of cancer and the heavier you smoke greater is the risk of cancer. This makes cancer one of the leading dangers of smoking.

2. Smoking Effects on Heart and Blood Pressure.

The nicotine and carbon monoxide in the cigarette smoke causes a temporary rise in the heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this causes an additional strain on the heart, thereby making you a potential candidate for heart attack and stroke. Smoking does this by constricting the blood vessels and causing atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is blockage of the blood vessels due to the formation of plaques on the blood vessel walls. This can also cause peripheral vascular disease due to reduced blood supply to peripheral parts of the body like the fingers and toes. Gangrene may be caused as a result.

3. The Effect of Smoking on Brain.

Reduced blood supply due to smoking increases risk of stroke.

4. Smoking Effects on the Lungs.

This is the smoking effect of maximum potential. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, bronchitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma.

Image of healthy lung and smoker’s lung.

5. The Effect of Smoking on Stomach.

Smokers develop acid reflux and are at greater risk of developing ulcers.

6. Smoking Effects on Skin.

Smoking causes wrinkles in the skin and makes a smoker look older than he is. Smoke that is inhaled contains more of carbon monoxide depriving every part of the body including the skin, of oxygen. This causes age spots on the skin and the skin begins to look sallow. Smoking also uses a lot of vitamin C . Vitamin C is responsible for preserving the collagen tissue of the skin. Deprivation of vitamin C leads to loss of the plum appearance of the skin giving it an aged look. The physical act of inhaling also causes wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.

7. Smoking Effects on the Reproduction System.

Smokers, either men or women have reduced fertility. Women are at higher risk of getting cervical cancer.

8. The Effect of Smoking on Male Impotence.

As explained earlier, smoking causes reduced blood supply to the various parts of the body, including the penis. As explained in erectile dysfunction, penile erection depends on blood flow into the penile arteries. Due to reduced blood supply, the effect of smoking results in reduced penile erection.

9. Smoking and Pregnancy.

Effects of smoking during pregnancy can cause the following complications.

• Birth weight of the baby is less than normal.
• Miscarriages  which can lead to habitual abortions.
• Complications during delivery.
• The foetus may have a retarded growth.

Why smoking is bad can be gauged by these effects of smoking and complications that smoking causes.

Related posts:

1. Effects of Smoking When Pregnant.
2. Effects and Dangers of Secondhand Smoking.
3. Quitting Smoking|Why Stop Smoking.
4. Quitting Smoking Help|Help to Quit Smoking.
5. Smoking|Cigarette Smoking|Smoking Facts.
6. Quitting Smoking Benefits|Quitting Smoking Timeline.
7. Quitting Smoking on Your Own|How To Stop Smoking on Your Own.
8. Smoking|Smoking Pictures.