Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that tobacco is one of the biggest public health threats in the world, killing more than 8 million people each year worldwide.
Smoking is not only bad for your health but also for those around you. Secondhand smoke can cause a wide range of health problems for non-smokers.
The Negative Effects of Smoking on Your Health
Smoking affects almost every organ in your body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking can increase your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Smoking and Lung Diseases
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer accounts for approximately 25% of all cancer deaths. Smoking also causes other lung diseases such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and COPD.
Chronic bronchitis is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation in the bronchial tubes. Emphysema is a disease that causes damage to the air sacs in your lungs. Both of these conditions can make it difficult to breathe.
The Effects of Smoking on Your Heart
Smoking can also cause heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Smoking damages your blood vessels, making your heart work harder to pump blood.
This can lead to high blood pressure, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Smoking also causes plaque buildup in your arteries, which can lead to peripheral artery disease.
The Effects of Smoking on Your Reproductive System
Smoking can also affect your reproductive system. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking can lower fertility in both men and women. Smoking can also increase the risk of cervical cancer in women.
Pregnant women who smoke are at a higher risk of having a premature or low-birth-weight baby.
The Effects of Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is the smoke that is exhaled by a smoker or given off by a burning cigarette or other tobacco product. According to the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke in non-smokers.
Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, and ear infections.
How to Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. According to the CDC, quitting smoking can lower your risk of many diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
Quitting smoking can also improve your overall quality of life. There are many resources available to help you quit smoking, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and prescription medications. Talk to your healthcare provider about what options may be right for you.
Conclusion
Smoking is killing you faster than you think. It can cause a wide range of health problems, from lung cancer to heart disease. Secondhand smoke can also cause health problems for non-smokers.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you are a smoker, talk to your healthcare provider about resources that can help you quit smoking.