Smoking tobacco is known to be harmful to the body. It increases your risk for certain types of cancer, and it affects your health in other ways. According to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, about 200 recognized substances are in cigarette smoke that can interfere with the normal growth of a child who smokes. Identifying the signs of tobacco smoking may enable you to help someone you know quit smoking.
Respiratory Problems
A person that smokes tobacco may exhibit a whistling sound when he breathes. This sound is referred to as a "wheeze." Smoking tobacco can also cause a person to get out of breath easily and become dizzy. Respiratory problems such as these can have a negative effect on physical performance, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Someone who smokes tobacco may come down with a cold more often than someone who does not smoke. A cough is another sign of smoking tobacco, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The development of bronchitis is also a sign.
An Unattractive Appearance
Smoking tobacco has a negative effect on a smoker's appearance. According to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, research has established the fact that smoking promotes skin aging and alopecia, which is a loss of hair. Yellow or brown teeth are another signal a person smokes tobacco. Fingers and nails also may become discolored. The smell of tobacco smoke has a tendency to remain in your clothes and in your hair, making that another indicator of smoking. Offensive breath due to smoking is a sign as well.
Additional Signs
If you are with a person who cannot detect an odor that you can clearly smell, it could be an indication that person smokes tobacco. People who smoke tobacco may also experience a diminished ability to taste foods, according to the CDC. They may show signs of eye irritation, and their eyes may tear. Nervous behavior is a sign to look for as well.
