Effects of smoking Effects of smoking The harmful effects of smoking on the body and overall health of smokers presented

in the list below, only begins to convey some of the short and long term side effects of smoking cigarettes. Quitting makes sense for many reasons but simply put: smoking kills and the effects of second hand smoke are also bad for the health of those around you. Tar coats your lungs like soot in a chimney and causes cancer. A 20-a-day smoker breathes in up to a full cup (210 g) of tar in a year. In younger people, three out of four deaths from heart disease are due to smoking.

Harmful health effects of smoking

Every year hundreds of thousands of people around the world die from diseases caused by smoking cigarettes - smoking kills. One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit. Half of these deaths will occur in middle age. Tobacco smoke also contributes to a number of cancers. The mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in each cigarette you smoke temporarily increases your heart rate and blood pressure, straining your heart and blood vessels. This can cause heart attacks and stroke. It slows your blood flow, cutting off oxygen to your feet and hands. Some smokers end up having their limbs amputated. Tar coats your lungs like soot in a chimney and causes cancer. A 20-a-day smoker breathes in up to a full cup (210 g) of tar in a year. Changing to low-tar cigarettes does not help because smokers usually take deeper puffs and hold the smoke in for longer, dragging the tar deeper into their lungs. Carbon monoxide robs your muscles, brain and body tissue of oxygen, making your whole body and especially your heart work harder. Over time, your airways swell up and let less air into your lungs. Smoking causes disease and is a slow way to die. The strain of smoking effects on the body often causes years of suffering. Emphysema for example is an illness that slowly rots your lungs. People with emphysema often get bronchitis again and again, and suffer lung and heart failure. Lung cancer from smoking is caused by the tar in tobacco smoke. Men who smoke are ten times more likely to die from lung cancer than non-smokers. Heart disease and strokes are also more common among smokers than non-smokers. Smoking causes fat deposits to narrow and block blood vessels which leads to heart attack. Smoking causes around one in five deaths from heart disease. In younger people, three out of four deaths from heart disease are due to smoking Cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight, prematurity, spontaneous abortion, and perinatal mortality in humans, which has been referred to as the fetal tobacco syndrome.

SOURCE : http://www.stop-smoking-programs.org/effects-of-smoking.html / LEN JOHNSON.

Smoking Effects on the Human Body

Toxic ingredients in cigarette smoke travel throughout the body, causing damage in several different ways. Nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds after smoke is inhaled. It has been found in every part of the body and in breast milk. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing affected cells from carrying a full load of oxygen. Cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in tobacco smoke damage important genes that control the growth of cells, causing them to grow abnormally or to reproduce too rapidly. The carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene binds to cells in the airways and major organs of smokers. Smoking affects the function of the immune system and may increase the risk for respiratory and other infections. There are several likely ways that cigarette smoke does its damage. One is oxidative stress that mutates DNA, promotes atherosclerosis, and leads to chronic lung injury. Oxidative stress is thought to be the general mechanism behind the aging process, contributing to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and COPD. The body produces antioxidants to help repair damaged cells. Smokers have lower levels of antioxidants in their blood than do nonsmokers. Smoking is associated with higher levels of chronic inflammation, another damaging process that may result in oxidative stress.

SOURCE : http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/tobaccostatistics/a/CigaretteSmoke.htm By Terry Martin, About.com Guide Updated July 20, 2008

EFFECTS OF SMOKING IN DIFFERENT SYSTEM Effects of smoking on the respiratory system The effects of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system include:

Irritation of the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box) Reduced lung function and breathlessness due to swelling and narrowing of the lung airways and excess mucus in the lung passages Impairment of the lungs clearance system, leading to the build-up of poisonous substances, which results in lung irritation and damage Increased risk of lung infection and symptoms such as coughing and wheezing Permanent damage to the air sacs of the lungs.

Effects of smoking on the circulatory system The effects of tobacco smoke on the circulatory system include:

Raised blood pressure and heart rate Constriction (tightening) of blood vessels in the skin, resulting in a drop in skin temperature Less oxygen carried by the blood Stickier blood, which is more prone to clotting Damage to the lining of the arteries, which is thought to be a contributing factor to atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits on the artery walls) Reduced blood flow to extremities like fingers and toes Increased risk of stroke and heart attack due to blockages of the blood supply.

Effects of smoking on the immune system The effects of tobacco smoke on the immune system include:

The immune system doesnt work as well The person is more prone to infections such as pneumonia and influenza Illnesses are more severe and it takes longer to get over them. Lower levels of protective antioxidants (such as Vitamin C), in the blood.

Effects of smoking on the musculoskeletal system The effects of tobacco smoke on the musculoskeletal system include:

Tightening of certain muscles Reduced bone density.

Other effects of smoking on the body Other effects of tobacco smoke on the body include:

Irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines Increased risk of painful ulcers along the digestive tract Reduced ability to smell and taste Premature wrinkling of the skin Higher risk of blindness Gum disease (periodontitis).

Effects of smoking on the male body The specific effects of tobacco smoke on the male body include:

Lower sperm count Higher percentage of deformed sperm Genetic damage to sperm Impotence, which may be due to the effects of smoking on blood flow and damage to the blood vessels of the penis.

Effects of smoking on the female body The specific effects of tobacco smoke on the female body include:

Reduced fertility Menstrual cycle irregularities or absence of menstruation Menopause reached one or two years earlier Increased risk of cancer of the cervix Greatly increased risk of stroke and heart attack if the smoker is aged over 35 years and taking the oral contraceptive pill.

SOURCE: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Smoking_effects_on_your_bo dy /
2012 State Government of Victoria Last updated 06/06/2012

Smoking: what are the effects? Effects of tobacco smoke Tar in cigarettes coats the lungs and can cause lung and throat cancer in smokers. It is also responsible for the yellowbrown staining on smokers' fingers and teeth. Carbon monoxide in cigarettes robs the muscles, brain and blood of oxygen, making the whole body especially the heart work harder. Over time this causes airways to narrow and blood pressure to rise, and can lead to heart attack and stroke. High levels of CO, together with nicotine, increase the risk of heart disease, hardening of the arteries and other circulatory problems. A first-time smoker will often feel dizzy and sick. SOURCE : http://www.mydr.com.au/addictions/smoking-what-are-the-effects

STAGES OF SMOKING Stage 1-experimentation This is how every smoker starts. Either through curiosity or peer pressure, and typically at a young age new smokers start through experimentation. They may want to fit in with a group of new friends, look cool, be rebellious or just see what the big deal is about smoking. Many new smokers never make is past this phase. Either smoking makes them feel ill or they come to their senses and realize that it is not for them. A lot of people do make it through this stage and smoking becomes a bigger part of their life. Stage 2-commitment Once a person passes into this stage of smoking they are past a casual urge to smoke and they have made a commitment to their habit. They now actually buy packs of cigarettes. They do not just smoke here and there or just at parties or get-togethers, they smoke all the time. Some people may to be able to quit at this point. But it gets harder the closer they get to the next stage. Stage 3-addiction Once a smoker hits this stage smoking is no longer a choice. They are now having a smoke as soon as they wake up, throughout the course of the day, and before they go to bed at night. Smoking has weaved its way into the fabric of their lives. Stage 4-regret Most smokers who have become addicted eventually regret the fact that they have become powerless over cigarettes. They try to quit smoking, only to find that it is difficult. They desperately want to kick the habit but end up lighting up again. They start the sad merry-goround of trying to quit smoking. Some will succeed in stopping smoking some will go years trying to quit smoking never to succeed. Some people can go through these stages very quickly. Or they may go straight from experimentation to addiction. Either way once they have made it to stage 4, or regret, they need to find an effective way to quit smoking to quickly put an end to the physical and mental anguish that goes along with trying to quit smoking.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3211366

Stages in the uptake of smoking The process of taking up smoking may be conceptualised as a progression through a number of stages in a continuum, during which external influences and individual characteristics interact. These stages may be broadly summarised. Precontemplationthe individual has no desire to start smoking in the near future. These adolescents do not view smoking positively, and are oblivious to, disregard, or resist pressure to smoke. Never-smokers do not proceed beyond this stage Contemplation and preparationdevelopment of positive beliefs and attitudes about cigarettes, shaped by influences such as family, peer group and the media. Initiationtrying the first few cigarettes, usually with friends providing the greatest influence on behaviour. Factors such as boosting self-image and wishing for peer group approval are associated with this stage. Experimentationmarked by a gradual increase in frequency of smoking and the contexts in which it occurs. Smoking is still viewed positively, even if its initial physiological effects feel unpleasant. Uncommitted smokers at this stage tend to give up, but others will persist, become adept at smoking, and develop a self-image as a smoker. Being part of a family where others smoke assists with ongoing access to cigarettes. Regular smokingthe behaviour is no longer sporadic. Teenagers may smoke on the weekends, at parties, or on the way between home and school. Most smokers are not, at this stage, smoking daily, or consuming many cigarettes. Not all smokers who have reached this stage will proceed to the next stage. Established/daily smokingat this stage the smoker is addicted, and tobacco use is perceived to fulfil a range of psychological and physiological functions. The process of smoking acquisition usually occurs during adolescence, for some rapidly escalating into dependence, while for others becoming established more gradually.7 In any individual, transit through the pathway outlined above may halt, reverse, or recommence, depending on a range of influences,8 including biological factors.6 SYMPTOMS OF SMOKERS Nicotine and dependency Nicotine is an addictive substance, which means your body gets used to nicotine and comes to need a certain level to function normally each day. Any less than this dose and you start to feel snappy and on edge and get an urge to smoke. Few smokers start on 20 a day, but increase their habit over time. The usual pattern is to find smoking unpleasant at first, but the body and brain quickly adapt and you start to experience its enjoyable qualities. You will then find you need to smoke more to feel these effects. Further into your addiction, you will smoke to avoid going into withdrawal between cigarettes. Nicotine is one of the most dependency-inducing drugs. Even the good feelings you attribute to smoking, ie improved concentration, are really due to relief of the withdrawal effects that come on between cigarettes.

Although people's dependency on nicotine varies widely, once you become 'hooked', nicotine is so addictive that if you start smoking again after a period of quitting, you quickly escalate up to your original habit again very rapidly even it's been years since your last puff.

SOURCE: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/smoking/withdrawalsymptoms_000507.htm#ixzz2IiLZ7cjM

Withdrawal symptoms and nicotine A smoker's nervous system becomes accustomed to functioning with nicotine. When you stop smoking, the reduced nicotine intake will disturb the balance of the central nervous system, causing withdrawal symptoms. The most common withdrawal symptoms are: Cravings for tobacco Irritation Anger Increased appetite Weight gain Concentration problems Depression or low mood Tiredness Constipation Restlessness Insomnia Anxiety. Fortunately, the majority of these symptoms tend to disappear after a few of weeks

SOURCE: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/smoking/withdrawalsymptoms_000507.htm#ixzz2IiLsZLFO

Symptoms of smoking and smoking-related diseases

Symptoms of smoking and related diseases, disorders and conditions include:

Bad breath and yellowing of the teeth Cold hands and feet Frequent or recurrent lung infections and other diseases, such as influenza, common colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia Hypertension (high blood pressure) and rapid heart rate Loss of taste and smell Low oxygen levels in the blood Low tolerance for exercise and fatigue Nicotine-stained fingers and teeth Premature aging and wrinkling of the skin Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing Smoker's cough (an ongoing loose cough that produces phlegm) and hoarse voice Smoky-smelling clothes and hair

Symptoms of smoking cessation If you are a smoker who attempts to quit smoking, you may experience symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal decrease over time and will eventually go away. Symptoms of nicotine addiction and nicotine withdrawal include:

Anxiety Constipation Cravings for tobacco Difficulty concentrating Dizziness Fatigue Headache Hunger Irritability Mood swings Sleep disturbances Tremors

SOURCE : http://www.localhealth.com/article/smoking/symptoms Medical Reviewer: McDonough, Brian MD Last Annual Review Date: Apr 18, 2011