Every year, millions of people in the United States die as a result of the harmful effects caused by cigarette smoking. In addition to harming themselves, smokers also put the people around them (usually family and friends) in danger due to second hand smoking effects. So what exactly is it about smoking cigarettes that makes people continue doing it in spite of the fatal health risks involved? The answer is in the highly addictive nicotine which is the drug found in tobacco, the main ingredient of cigarettes.
Unfortunately, once people start the habit of smoking or chewing tobacco, it becomes extremely difficult for them to stop. Additionally, many people often fail to realize that the long-term effects of smoking tobacco are not just limited to lung damage. In fact, there is risk for damage to the entire body from smoking cigarettes.
A Dangerous Addiction
Tobacco is truly a dangerous addiction because there are several adverse effects for both smokers and those exposed to second hand smoking. Cigarette smoking is most synonymous with causing cancers, including cancer of the lungs, mouth, bladder, kidney and stomach. Tobacco has also been linked to other specific health problems, such as diabetes, ulcers, vision problems and back pain. Additional harmful effects of tobacco can also include the following:
- Higher risks of suffering from heart attacks
- Smoking tobacco during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or premature birth
- Stained teeth & bad breath
- Women can experience earlier menopause, have higher risk of osteoporosis, menstrual and fertility problems
- Reduced fertility and impotence within men
Children and loved ones can also suffer from the effects of second hand or passive tobacco smoking. They can often suffer from asthma and other types of related allergies. Children of tobacco addicts are also more prone to start smoking and more vulnerable to health risks, such as breathing problems, ear infections and chronic bronchitis.
Tobacco Effects on the Body
Contrary to what most people believe about the effects of tobacco, damage done to the body is not just limited to an addict’s lungs. Other areas of the body that are also put at risk as a result of excessive tobacco consumption include the skin, mouth, hands, respiratory system, bones and heart. Poor blood circulation and loss of oxygen are some of the most common side effects associated with tobacco smoking. Since they’re both directly linked to the maintenance of healthy skin, your skin can suffer from premature aging and wrinkles. Additionally, poor blood circulation also causes cold hands and fingertips that are often stained of tar.
In addition to bad breath, stained teeth and mouth cancer, effects of tobacco on the mouth also involve the gums becoming loose, ongoing sore throats and reduced sense of taste. Tobacco smokers are twice as likely to suffer from bronchitis, shortness of breath and severe bouts of coughing. They are also more prone to getting colds, flue and pneumonia.
The bones and heart are also made vulnerable as a result of this addiction. Osteoporosis, spine and hip fractures and certain degenerative diseases can all be attributed to tobacco usage. Tobacco consumption also serves to weaken and block the arteries of the heart and constricts blood vessels, all of which can lead to fatal heart attacks.
Quitting the Habit
When most people try to quit their tobacco habit, they can often go through what is called nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These can include stomach pain, excessive coughing, insomnia, weight gain and much more. Fortunately, there are certain medications and forms of therapy that can help people overcome nicotine withdrawal symptoms. There are also certain nicotine supplements, such as chewing gum and patches that tobacco smokers can use quit smoking.
There is no sugar coating it, quitting tobacco usage is very difficult! However, it’s also possible if you really want to kick the habit bad enough. In fact, in some cases, people have been known to quit smoking “cold turkey” successfully. The first step is making the decision to truly quit this dangerous and deadly addiction and make positive changes to erase old and unhealthy habits that were associated with the nicotine addiction.
[page updated February 2009]