Tobacco use is the greatest cause of mortality (that can be avoided) in the United States, accounting for around one in every five fatalities each year. People who smoke die roughly ten years earlier than those who never smoked. Most individuals are aware that smoking causes cancer. However, it may also induce a variety of other ailments and harm practically every organ in the body. Here is a list of eight negative effects of smoking that you shouldn’t neglect.
1. Respiratory issues
Inhaling smoke exposes you to chemicals that might harm your lungs. This damage causes a range of issues over time. In addition to increased infection risk, smokers are more likely to develop chronic nonreversible lung disorders such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
2. Problems with the reproductive system
Tobacco usage can have a negative impact on a woman’s reproductive health. Women who smoke, for example, are more likely to have difficulty getting pregnant. Smoking during pregnancy can potentially cause health issues for both the mother and the baby.
Women who smoke while pregnant are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy, early deliveries, kids with low birth weight, miscarriages, and stillbirths. Men who smoke are more likely to have erectile dysfunction. Smoking can also harm sperm, reducing fertility and increasing the chance of miscarriage and birth abnormalities.
3. Diabetes type 2
Tobacco use relates to type 2 diabetes and raises the risk of complications, such as impaired blood flow to the legs and feet. This can result in infection and the doctor may even need to amputate a limb to save your life.
4. Problems with eyes and vision
Cigarette smoking is bad for your eyes. This is because smoking raises your chances of developing age-related macular degeneration, the main cause of blindness in those over 65. To treat this condition and prevent serious complications in the future, you should contact an eye surgery center.
Smokers are also twice as likely as nonsmokers to acquire cataracts. Cataracts are clouding of the lens of the eye and are one of the primary causes of blindness worldwide. In addition, smokers are more likely to develop uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eyes.
5. Impaired immune system
The immune system keeps the body safe from infection and illness. One study found that smoking lowers immune function and increases inflammation in the body. Autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ulcerative colitis can result from this.
6. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory illness that mostly affects the joints in the hands and feet. It produces severe swelling, which can lead to bone loss and joint deformities. One of the factors is smoking, which is also linked to getting the condition at a younger age.
7. Cardiovascular issues
Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that raise the risk of heart issues and cardiovascular disease. Smoking promotes atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque accumulates in the circulation and adheres to the arterial walls. This narrows them, decreasing blood flow and raising the risk of blood clots.
Smoking also causes blood vessels to become thicker and narrower. This makes blood flow more difficult and raises blood pressure and heart rate. Cigarette smoking has been linked to coronary heart disease, heart attacks, blockages, and stroke.
8. Periodontal disease
People who smoke are also more likely to lose their teeth as a result of smoking. Periodontitis, a gum infection that damages the bone that supports the teeth, is exacerbated by smoking. It is a leading cause of adult tooth loss.
