Smoking is such a thing which has a very bad effect on health and the interesting thing is that even though people know about it, people smoke it and give the excuse that it relieves stress, they want to quit but are unable to quit. Nowadays, smoking cigarettes has become like a showoff that even small children are trapped in this trap. Teenagers start it but they do not know how difficult it is to leave it. Today we are talking about the diseases caused by cigarettes and what’s inside a cigarette and how we can quit them.
Health Effects :-
Lung Cancer-The biggest disease caused by cigarettes is lung cancer. Cigarette smoking has a direct impact on the lungs.Doctors also believe that cigarette smoke completely damages the cells of the lungs.
Respiratory issues-Diseases like asthma and TB are seen in smokers. Children whose parents smoke cigarettes excessively may also have the problem of asthma. The amount of oxygen in the blood of smokers decreases, which makes breathing difficult.
Heart Disease-If smoking blocks blood flow to the heart, it can cause a heart attack . This is also called a myocardial infarction.Without enough oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscle starts to die.Smoking increases your blood pressure and heart rate.
Stroke -Smoking tobacco increases your risk of having a stroke , because it causes inflammation and damage to the blood vessels and can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Smoking also impacts circulation throughout the body by constricting small arteries.
Secondhand smoke - Secondhand smoke damages the body in many different ways.They too inhale the same poisonous gases and thousands of toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Their risk of developing smoking-related diseases will also increase.
The chemical constituents of cigarettes include :-
Tobacco smoke contains around 7,000 chemicals. Many of these are poisonous and over 60 are known to be cancer causing (carcinogenic).
Nicotine-Nicotine is a colourless, poisonous alkaloid derived from the tobacco plant. It is a powerful drug, which affects the brain and quickly becomes addictive.
Tar-Tar’ is the term used to describe the toxic chemicals found in cigarettes. It’s a sticky brown substance that forms when tobacco cools and condenses. It collects in the lungs and can cause cancer.
Carbon monoxide-An odourless, colourless gas that is released from burning tobacco. When it is inhaled it enters the bloodstream and interferes with the working of the heart and the blood vessels. Up to 15% of a smoker’s blood can be carrying carbon monoxide instead of oxygen.
Arsenic-Arsenic-containing pesticides used in tobacco farming occur in small quantities in cigarette smoke. Arsenic is commonly found in rat poison.
Ammonia-Ammonia is a toxic, colourless gas with a sharp odour. Ammonia compounds are commonly used in cleaning products and fertilisers. Also used to boost the impact of nicotine in manufactured cigarettes.
Acetone-Fragrant volatile liquid ketone, used as a solvent. Nail polish remover is a solvent, for example.
Toluene-Toluene is a highly toxic chemical. Industrial uses include rubbers, oils, resins, adhesives, inks, detergents, dyes and explosives.
Methylamine-Chemical found in tanning lotion.
Pesticides-A number of pesticides (toxic chemicals used to kill pests, usually insects) are present in cigarette smoke. These pesticides find their way into cigarettes because they’re used on tobacco plants as they are growing.
Polonium – 210-Radioactive element – used in nuclear weapons as well as an atomic heat source.
Methanol-Fuel used in the aviation industry.
Why do people get addicted to cigarette smoking?
- Nicotine triggers the release of pleasure hormones in the brain, causing one to feel happy smoking.Some tobacco products, like cigarettes, are designed to deliver nicotine to the brain within seconds, making it easier to become dependent on nicotine and more difficult to quit .
- Intake of nicotine from tobacco smoke or products produces stimulation and a decrease in a feeling of stress and anxiety.
- Over time, the act of smoking gets attached to every emotion and event in one's life. This essentially conditions a person to crave nicotine during both pleasurable and troubling times, along with having more intense cravings in certain situations.
What is the life expectancy of a person who smokes cigarettes?
The average lifespan of heavy smokers (smoking more than twenty cigarettes per day) is 13 years shorter than that of non-smokers. Globally, an estimated 8 million deaths are attributed to the use of tobacco every year,According to the World Health Organization, every year thousands of people around the world lose their lives due to smoking. Nowadays both men and women smoke but still the number of men is more. A lot of cases of COPD disease were seen last year. This is a disease of the lungs. It causes difficulty in breathing and becomes the cause of disability for a long time and death . This disease is seen more in those who smoke. and 1 in every 5 male deaths is due to the harmful effects of tobacco. It has been shown that around 50% of long-term smokers die from cause directly linked to smoking, such as cancer, lung disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Smokers' average life estimation is 10 years lower than that of never-smokers.
Benefits Of Quitting Smoking
Quitting cigarettes increases oxygen capacity. There is a risk of heart attack due to cigarette smoking, which reduces as soon as you quit cigarettes. Blackened teeth and lips become clear and the stamina which had decreased increases again. b.p and heart beat will start becoming normal.
When trying to quit smoking, these tips may help:
- identifying and avoiding situations that will trigger your desire to smoke
- distracting yourself with new activities
- finding a support system among friends and family or a support group
- reminding yourself of the benefits of quitting smoking