If you have been smoking and planning to quit, here is a list of reasons to quit smoking as soon as possible. Here are the effects of smoking on various parts of the body:
1) Heart and blood vessels: Cigarettes have nicotine which causes constriction of the blood vessels. Smoking also increases the blood pressure. The blood vessels carry lesser blood to the organs. There is increased pressure on the heart and it becomes prone to heart attack.
2) Lungs: Smoking causes reduced lung function; there are increased incidences of breathlessness due to narrowing of the passage of the lungs. Eventually it causes permanent lung damage. Smokers are at 25 percent higher risk of developing lung cancer than non smokers.
3) Sexual organs: Smoking causes reduced fertility in both males and females.
Male: Reduced sperm count, erectile dysfunction and impotence can be caused due to chronic smoking.
Female: Dysmenorrhoea, difficulty in conceiving, Ectopic pregnancy, higher risk of ovarian cancer. Females who smoke during pregnancy have a higher risk of miscarriage and foetal abnormalities.
4) Cancer: A cigarette has cancerous substances like arsenic; benzene, cadmium etc are present in it. Smoking can cause cancer of the throat, lungs, respiratory tract, and anorectic cancer.
5) Adverse affect on Oral Health: Smoking causes inflammation of gums, bleeding from the gums and in severe cases it leads to loosening of the teeth.
How should you quit smoking?
- Determination: It all starts with a belief. Once you are determined to quit, things would be easier.
- Talk to people: Withdrawal symptoms are common after you stop smoking. Do not worry. Reach out to people. You are not alone
- Take professional help: In case you have a difficulty quitting, you should seek professional help.
- Nicotine substitutes: Nicotine patches, gums, lozenges are used to overcome addiction.
Quit smoking and take a step towards life……..
