According to the Centers of Disease Control, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Yet in 2008, 46 million Americans -- about one in every five people -- were smokers. The effects of smoking can cause harm to nearly every organ of the body, as stated in the 2004 Surgeon General's Report. Knowing the dangers of smoking is important for informing yourself of this deadly habit whether you are a smoker, know a smoker or are thinking of starting.
Nicotine Addiction
Quitting smoking can be difficult due to your body's dependence on nicotine. The 1988 Surgeon General's Report explained that tobacco addiction is similar to cocaine and heroine addiction. When nicotine changes your brain cells, trying to stop smoking causes withdrawal symptoms. According the National Cancer Institute, such symptoms include depression, anxiety, restlessness and weight gain.
Cancer
Of all the deaths caused by cancer, 30 percent are due to smoking. The most common cancer caused by smoking is lung cancer, which is also one of the hardest cancers to treat, says the American Cancer Society. Even worse, smoking has been linked to several other cancers, including cancers of the larynx, oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney and bladder, as well as acute myeloid leukemia.
Other Health Problems
Smoking also contributes to the incidence of heart disease, aneurysms and stroke. Smokers have a much greater chance of developing pneumonia and other airway infections such as bronchitis and emphysema. Pregnant mothers who smoke risk health problems not only for themselves but also for their unborn child with the increased chances of premature birth, low birthrate and sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.
Appearance
Besides your health, cigarettes can also affect your outwardly appearance. The smoke from tobacco can leave a distinctive odor on your breath, hair, skin, clothes and belongings. Smoking can cause yellow staining on your teeth and fingernails. Even more, the narrowing of blood vessels caused by nicotine will lead to premature wrinkling of your skin and face.
Quality of Life
With the number of serious diseases and complications caused by smoking, your quality of life will eventually be affected. The harmful effects on your lungs and breathing can negatively affect your physical activity level and the ability to perform other activities such as exercising, going up and down stairs or even moving around the house. According to Dr. Naresh M. Punjabi of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, smoking has been suspected of causing sleep disturbances because of nicotine's simulating effect. Sexual activity can also become affected as the nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to narrow and can, therefore, cause erection problems in men. Even more, recurring infections such as bronchitis can often leave you sick and take precious time away from living a healthy life. Sadly, chronic diseases linked to smoking such as cancer and heart disease can ultimately end your life.
References
- American Cancer Society: Cigarette Smoking
- National Cancer Institute: Quitting Smoking: Why To Quit and How To Get Help
- MayoClinic.com: Quit Smoking
- Science Daily: Smoking Linked To Sleep Disturbances
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: The 2004 Surgeon General's Report
- National Institutes of Health: The Surgeon General's Report on Health and Nutrition 1988
