Learn About the Dangers of Smoking on your Health

The dangers of smoking are well known facts by many people. Smoking not only risks your health, but it can also affect your appearance in a negative way. It is essential that everyone know the dangers related to smoking, because is is a major public health concern. Even if you don't smoke personally, you may have a friend or relative that smokes. Additionally, you have to worry about second hand smoke and if your a parent you must concern yourself with teenage smoking.

The Effects of Smoking

Smoking tobacco in any form can lead to a nicotine addiction. Nicotine is a drug and it is a stimulant which makes it highly addictive.  Hundreds of thousands of Americans die each year from the effects of smoking and thousands of others battle smoking related illnesses.  People who smoke increase the likelihood of heart attack and heart disease by almost double. The risk of illnesses like bronchitis and emphysema also is significantly increased by tobacco use. It can also contribute to high blood pressure, gallbladder problems and infertility.

Cancer is probably one of the greatest concerns for many smokers. Smoking drastically increases the risk of a variety of cancers. Lung cancer is fatal for many people who suffer  with it and smoking increases the risk of lung cancer by 23 times for men and 13 times for women. In fact almost 90% of lung cancer cases can be attributed to smoking. Smoking can also cause cancer of the throat, mouth, stomach, pancreas and many other forms of cancer.

Smoking has ill effects on your appearance, in addition to your health. Smoking can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, smoking dries out your skin and can lead to premature wrinkles.

The Effects of Second Hand Smoke

Unfortunately, smoking is not only dangerous for the smoker. Smoking is dangerous to those around the smoker as well. Scientist have proven that second hand smoke can cause cancer. Thousands of people in the United states alone die each year from second hand smoke exposure. People who work in smokey environments like bars restaurants and casinos are at a greater risk, because of the constant exposure to second hand smoke. Fortunately, the realization of the dangers of second hand smoke has lead to smoking bans in public places in many cities nationwide. 

Additionally, children who are exposed to second hand smoke are more likely to have asthma, bronchitis and respiratory problems.  Second hand smoke can cause cough, headache, eye irritation, nausea and dizziness to those who are exposed to it. It can also contribute to the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, which may lead to chronic ear infections. Studies have also shown that infants of mothers who smoke are at greater risk for SIDs.

Smoking is a dangerous habit that affects everyone. It takes a toll on your entire body and can cause irreversible damage. Stopping smoking is the only way to save your life and reverse some of the damage already caused by smoking.