Smoking is a dangerous addiction which can wreak havoc on the human body. The main reason for this being tobacco, the chief ingredient of almost all traditional cigarettes. Did you know that tobacco consists of over 3000 toxic chemicals, including some which are carcinogenic as well? Although smoking is known widely for its damage on lung health, it inflicts the same amount of harm on other organs of the human body as well.
In this article, you will see some of the surprising health consequences of smoking which you may not be aware of. By learning it, you will get an extra dose of motivation to shun the cigarettes and set the foundation for a healthy lifestyle all over again.
So let us get started,
- Loss of Vision
Heavy smokers are at high risk of experiencing vision loss due to the negative effects of tobacco on the retina’s blood flow, which may also cause muscle degeneration. Also, the loss of vision can also occur in smokers, due to the high blood pressure associated with tobacco smoking. Other eye related issues which can occur from smoking are cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome etc.
- High Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Studies have also shown that individuals who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with a 30 to 40% greater likelihood. The main reason for this is due to the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes which can damage the body’s cells and disrupt their normal function. Inflammation can occur due to this, which lowers the insulin levels, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Furthermore, when chemicals in the cigarette mix with oxygen in the body, it can lead to oxidative stress which also increases the risk of diabetes.
- Erectile Dysfunction
Individuals who smoke over 20 cigarettes a day are at a high risk of erectile dysfunction. The main reason for this is because cigarettes cause the buildup of plaque in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, which obstructs blood flow and causes circulatory problems throughout the body. However, quitting smoking can quickly solve this problem.
- Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy is a serious reproductive condition in women which can be life threatening and is often associated with heavy smoking. This condition occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, which can result in the loss of pregnancy and pose a significant risk to the mother’s health. The main cause of ectopic pregnancy can be attributed to the harmful chemicals found in tobacco.
- Gum Disease
Smoking is a significant factor for gum disease in humans. This is because smoking increases the production of bacterial plaque that leads to the development of gum disease. The harmful chemicals in tobacco cause a reduction in oxygen levels in the bloodstream which makes it difficult for infected gums to heal. Also, people who smoke are at higher risk of developing gum disease and experience faster progression of this condition than non-smokers. Hence, it is totally necessary to maintain good oral hygiene and seek good dental care to prevent as well as treat gum disease in those who smoke.
How to Quit Smoking Addiction
To successfully quit smoking, one needs to have a proactive approach. Quitting cold turkey can lead to bothersome withdrawal symptoms which is mainly caused due to the highly addictive substance called nicotine. Gradually overcoming the addiction is essential to quit smoking permanently.
There are several methods to achieve this. One approach is vaping, where e-cigarettes are used instead of traditional tobacco products. Studies suggest that vaping is a safer alternative as it allows smokers to gradually phase out nicotine while avoiding the harmful chemicals present in cigarettes.
Another method is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which involves administering nicotine in smaller doses through adhesive patches, chewing gum, lozenges, nose sprays, and inhalers. NRT can help reduce the smoker’s dependence on tobacco and ease the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.
In Conclusion
Smoking is a major cause of several health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. However, it can also lead to other unexpected health conditions, such as erectile dysfunction, ectopic pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and gum disease. Quitting smoking through proactive approaches like vaping and NRT is crucial to reducing dependence on tobacco and preventing these adverse health effects.
