Smoking has severe health impediments. It leads to heart diseases, harm to your lungs, fertility problems, harm to oral health, eye problems, and much more. In this article, we will trace the various harms caused by smoking. It is a leading cause of death today, and these deaths are easily preventable, but only if we quit or limit smoking.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s guidelines on the harms of tobacco use, tobacco is the single largest cause of preventable deaths and illnesses worldwide. It kills half of its users prematurely, with most of them in their reproductive age. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, chronic lung disease, stroke, infertility, blindness, tuberculosis (TB), oral cavities, and more.
Smoking causes damage to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Contrary to popular belief, heart disease, not lung cancer, is the biggest health risk brought on by smoking. The deposition of plaque on blood vessels due to smoking starves heart muscles of oxygen, eventually leading to a heart attack.
Smoking harms your airways and the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs, leading to lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Additionally, smoking is primarily responsible for lung cancer.
Smoking has led to a rise in infertility problems among both men and women. It makes it harder for women to become pregnant and affects the health of newborn babies. For men, smoking affects their sperm count.
Smoking negatively affects your teeth and gums, causing tooth loss and numerous oral health issues. It leads to bad breath, stained teeth, gum disease, delayed healing after dental procedures, and a higher risk of oral cancer.
Smoking increases the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD damages the area near the retina, which is vital for central vision. The toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke harm delicate eye tissues, leading to vision deterioration and potential blindness.
Smoking raises the risk of developing diabetes. It induces inflammation, insulin resistance, and stress, disrupting glucose metabolism. Nicotine impairs insulin sensitivity, elevating blood sugar levels. Tobacco toxins also lead to reduced insulin production. Smoking promotes abdominal fat deposition, further worsening insulin resistance and escalating cardiovascular risk, exacerbating diabetes. In some cases, it can even lead to type 2 diabetes.
Gut health is also affected by smoking, as it can induce acid reflux. The nicotine present in cigarettes reduces the protective coating of the stomach, which increases the production of acid. Smoking impairs the function of the muscles controlling the opening between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus and cause discomfort. Furthermore, smoking reduces the body’s ability to absorb important micronutrients like vitamins C and E. Deficiencies in these nutrients can quickly leave you feeling weak and depressed.
In conclusion, smoking poses a significant threat to our overall health. From heart diseases to lung damage, infertility to oral health problems, and even eye-related issues, the harmful effects of smoking are far-reaching. It is crucial for individuals to quit or limit smoking to prevent these easily avoidable health complications. Remember, making the choice to quit smoking today can save lives and pave the way for a healthier future.
