Side Effects of Smoking – Harmful Impacts on Body

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side effects of smoking

Smoking has various negative effects on the body and it can even lead to development of life-threatening complications. Tobacco is highly dangerous to health and there is wide range of short and long term effect of smoking on the body. The substances present in tobacco like acetone, tar, carbon monoxide, and nicotine not only affect the lungs, but are harmful for the entire body. Smoking can result in various complications and can develop a wide range of long-term effects on the body. Smoking affects the circulatory system, skin, eyes, respiratory system and it even increases the risk of different types of cancers. Here is a list of side effects of smoking on the body.

Read – Harmful effects of alcohol on body

  1. Smoking Damages Lungs

We all are aware of the side effects of smoking on the body and lungs. Smoking affects lungs as a person not only inhales nicotine but also different chemicals. Long term effects of smoking includes the risk of lung cancer. Cigarettes also lead to developing chronic bronchitis and emphysema and they trigger asthma attack. Moreover they also increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

  1. Poor Immune System

One of the harmful effects of smoking on the body is poor immune system. Smoking weakens the immune system of the body, which makes people more vulnerable to illness. Smoking can also lead to increasing inflammation in the body.

  1. Fertility Issues

Smoking cigarettes damages the reproductive systems of the females and makes it difficult for women to get pregnant. This is due to the reason that tobacco and other harmful chemical present in cigarette develop a negative impact on the hormone level. In males also, smoking reduces fertility. Cigarettes increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Moreover, it also affects the sperm quality, which in turn decreases fertility.

  1. Heart Disease

There are various side effects of smoking on heart as it can damage heart, blood cells, and blood vessels. Tar and other chemical in cigarettes increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which develops plaque in the blood vessels. This plaque can lead to dangerous blockages by limiting the blood flow. Smoking also develops the risk of getting Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which in turn increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and chest pain.

  1. Type 2 Diabetes

People who smoke on regular basis have higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes as compared to those who do not smoke. Smoking effects insulin and contributes to developing insulin resistance, which in turn increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, smoking makes it difficult for the people with diabetes to manage their condition.

  1. Pregnancy Complications

Harmful effects of smoking also include pregnancy complications.  It also effects the developing of fetus in varied ways. Below mentioned are some of the side effects of smoking on pregnancy.

  • Reduce the birth weight of baby
  • Damages the brain, central nervous system and lungs of the fetus
  • Contributes to the risk of premature delivery
  • Increases the possibilities of sudden infant death syndrome
  • Increases the risk of congenital abnormalities
  1. Contributes to Unhealthy Hair and Skin

Tobacco affects the skin and hair. Smoking contributes to prematurely wrinkled and aged skin. It also increases the risk of skin cancer. Moreover, smoking for a longer time lads to hair loss and balding.

  1. Harms Digestive System

There are varied side effects of smoking on the digestive system. It increases the risk of larynx, esophagus, throat, and mouth cancer. In face people who perform mouth puffing also encounter an increases risk of mouth cancer.

  1. Respiratory System

When you smoke, you inhale substances that can contribute in damaging lungs. Smoking increases infections and people who smoke regularly face higher risk of nonreversible lung conditions and chronic issues. Continuous smoking leads to chronic bronchitis which affects the lining of the breathing tubes present in the lungs.

  1. Central Nervous System

Nicotine is one of the harmful ingredients that are found in tobacco. Nicotine directly attacks your brain, which makes you feel highly energized for some time. But as the effect fades, it makes you feel more tires and increases your craving for smoking.

We understand that it is difficult to quit smoking, but you can ask expert advice. Smoking effects almost all the body systems which increases the importance of finding a way to quit smoking in order to live a happier and longer life.