Smoking: A Silent Killer
Smoking: A Silent Killer
Table of Contents
-
Introduction: Smoking and Its Health Risks
-
What is Smoking?
Definition
How Smoking Works
Types of Smoking (Cigarettes, Cigars, Pipes, Marijuana, Herbal Cigarettes)
- Why Do People Smoke?
Nicotine Addiction and Brain Effects
Emotional and Social Reasons
Routine and Lifestyle Factors
- Dangerous Chemicals in Tobacco Smoke
Tar
Carbon Monoxide
Oxidizing Chemicals
Metals
Radioactive Compounds
- Effects of Smoking on the Body
Respiratory System
Cardiovascular System
Immune System
Pregnancy and Fetal Health Risks
- Secondhand Smoke and Its Dangers
- Smoking-Related Diseases
Cancer
Stroke and Heart Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Other Health Issues
- The Challenge of Quitting Smoking
Nicotine Dependence
Withdrawal Symptoms
Methods to Quit (Nicotine Replacement, Lifestyle Changes, Support)
- Conclusion: Smoking is Injurious to Health
Smoking is
indeed detrimental to one’s health, posing significant risk to various bodily
systems and increasing the likelihood of developing numerous diseases. It is a
major contributor to heart disease, stroke, and various cancers, including
lung, throat, and mouth cancers. Moreover, smoking can lead to respiratory
problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (COPD) and increase the
risk of infections. Beyond smoker, secondhand smoke also harms those nearby,
exposing them to harmful chemicals and increasing their risk of respiratory
illnesses and other health issues.
The dangerous
of smoking extend to various organ system. For instance, smoking damages blood
vessels, contributing to cardiovascular diseases and increasing the risk of
blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. It also impairs the body’s immune
system, making smokers more susceptible to infections and hindering wound
healing. Furthermore, smoking during pregnancy can harm the unborn child,
leading to complications and potential health issues for the baby.
Smoking
Smoking is the
practice of inhaling smoke from burning plant material. Nicotine works on your
brain to create a relaxing, pleasurable feeling that makes it tough to quit. But
smoking tobacco puts you at risk for cancer, stroke, heart attacks, lung
disease and other health issues. Nicotine replacements and lifestyle changes
may help you quit.
What is smoking?
Smoking is when you inhale and exhale smoke from burning plant material
that’s rolled into a wrapper (cigarette). You light the end of the cigarette
and pull smoke into your mouth through the other end. It travels down your
airways, into your lungs and though your bloodstream to your brain and other
organs. This piece focuses on smoking tobacco cigarettes, but you can also
smoke cigars, pipes, marijuana (weed/pot) or herbal cigarettes.
Dangerous chemicals in tobacco smoke
Highly damaging components of tobacco smoke include:
- Tar –
Is the word for the solid particles
suspended in tobacco smoke. The particles contain chemicals, including
cancer-causing substances (carcinogens). Tar is sticky and brown, and stains
teeth, fingernails and lung tissue.
Carbon monoxide–
Carbon monoxide–
Is a poisonous gas. It is odourless and colourless and, in large doses, quickly cause death because it takes the place of oxygen in the blood. In people who smoke, the carbon monoxide in their blood makes it harder for oxygen to get to their organs and muscles.
Oxidizing chemicals –
Are highly
reactive chemicals that can damage the heart muscles and blood vessels of
people who smoke. They react with cholesterol, leading to the build-up of fatty
materials and artery walls. Their actions lead to heart disease, stroke and
blood vessel disease.
- Metals –
Tobacco smoke contains several metals that cause cancer, including arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead and nickel.
- Radioactive compounds –
Effects of
smoking tobacco on the body:Inhaling tobacco smoke causes damage to many of the
body’s organs systems.
If you’re pregnant, it travels to the fetus
Narrowed blood vessels in the placenta and umbilical
cord restrict blood flow to the fetus. The blood that does flow through carries
carbon monoxide, nicotine and other harmful chemicals. This can prevent the
fetus from getting enough oxygen and damage its DNA. Women who smoke while
they’re pregnant are more likely to have a miscarriage. Babies born to someone
who smokes can have low birth weight, heart and lung issues, and development
delays.
Why do people smoke?
People smoke because they find it enjoyable. And
because it’s hard to quit once you start, despite the damaging effects of
smoking on your body. This is because of your brain’s cravings for nicotine,
which makes you feel bad when you don’t get it.
Nicotine releases chemicals in your brain that make
you feel good. Smoking might make you feel:
- Relaxed and calm.
- Buzzed and energized.
- More able to focus on tasks.
Smoking is also social activity and a part of people’s routine, just like morning coffee. You might smoke you fun, to calm yourself before being around a lot of people, or to focus and work. Some people like the taste for just the feeling of holding a cigarette in their hands.
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