Tobacco is among the most abused substances in the world today. You might be surprised to learn that there are cigarette smokers who are as young as five years old in some countries. There are so many factors contributing to such high abuse of the substance. At rehab Alabama (https://impactrecoverycenter.net/) professional help for you or your loved one who is addicted to cigarettes is offered. However, have you ever sat and asked yourself what health implications smoking has on your well-being? Follow through to understand that better.
The Effects
It is advisable to try as much as you can to quit smoking cigarettes for your health's sake. Tobacco abuse has some severe effects on your body, some of which are fatal. These effects include;
Cancer
Cigarettes are considered carcinogenic, with reports showing that smoking causes seven out of ten cancer cases and about 80% of all lung cancer deaths. Tobacco abuse can cause cancer in almost all of your body parts, including your mouth, lungs, throat, bladder, esophagus, and liver. Lung cancer has been ranked as the leading cause of death across all genders.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cigarette users are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses, which affect the heart and blood vessels. Coronary heart disease and stroke are some of the cardiovascular diseases that have been linked to cigarette smoking and tobacco abuse in general. Unfortunately, you don’t have to be a chain smoker to get such diseases. Even those who smoke two or three cigarettes in a day can show early signs of heart-related conditions. About the blood vessels, smoking causes them to thicken and have narrower passages, consequently increasing your heartbeat rate and blood pressure.
Lung Disease
Apart from lung cancer, smokers can also develop lung disease. This is where the tiny air sacs and airways in the lungs are damaged by tobacco, a condition that starts soon after you start smoking and becomes worse as long as you continue taking the puffs. However, it may take some years before the condition becomes full-blown and you are diagnosed with lung disease. The most common diseases in that category include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, cigarette smoking increases the risk of lung infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. It can also make an existing lung condition, such as asthma, get worse.
Fertility
Surprisingly, the effects of cigarette addiction can affect your fertility. In men, smoking affects sperm, consequently decreasing their fertility and increasing the chances of birth defects. Since smoking affects blood vessels and blood flow in the body, men can have erectile dysfunction because there will not be enough blood flowing in their penises. The condition worsens as the man continues to abuse the substance. In women, smoking has been associated with miscarriages, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, preterm delivery, and other severe occurrences. Additionally, it can be challenging for a woman who smokes to conceive. Tobacco abuse can also affect a baby’s health before and after birth if the mother smokes during pregnancy.
Other Effects
Other health effects related to smoking include:
- Gum disease and tooth loss
- Higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes
- Higher chances of age-related macular degeneration (ADM)
- Higher chances of rheumatoid arthritis
- Weak sense of smell and taste
- Lowers the functioning of the immune system
The use of cigarettes has become rampant, mainly due to their availability, inexpensiveness, and lack of sturdy restrictions. However, you need to understand how this affects human well-being, whether you are a smoker or not. Many people have found themselves indulging in smoking due to peer pressure. The best medicine is to abstain because most of the effects discussed above cause death.