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What Increases the Risk of Smoking?

Smoking can lead to several chronic and sometimes incurable diseases. Smoking adversely affects every part of the body and can cause cancer, heart disease, stroke and respiratory problems. However, some factors can increase the risks of smoking. People who are already suffering from conditions such as HIV or cancer are much more at risk from the dangers of smoking. Young children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are also susceptible to grave health risks.

  1. Pregnancy

    • Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is dangerous for the mother and her unborn baby. Smoking reduces the supply of nutrients to the developing fetus and also contributes to the passage of toxins. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with stillbirth, low birth weight, developmental issues, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and spontaneous abortions.

    Birth Control Pills

    • A combination of birth control pills and nicotine can be deadly, especially for women older than 35. Women who have a family history of hypertension, heart disease or high cholesterol rates are at greater risk. If you are on the pill and if you smoke, you are at risk of developing blood clots and other problems such as stroke and heart disease.

    Cancer

    • Cancer is one of the primary results of smoking. A person who is diagnosed with cancer may have to take medication and undergo chemotherapy. A cancer patient who smokes reduces his chances for survival and can also increase the risk of future cancers.

    HIV

    • People who are infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) must take medication on a regular basis. Such medication can have side effects such as nausea or vomiting and can contribute to liver problems and osteoporosis. Smoking increases the chance of such complications. HIV-positive people have weaker immune systems, which makes them more prone to infections and disease. Smoking increases the chances and severity of infection.

    Heart Disease

    • Cardiovascular disease or heart disease is a result of injury to the muscles of the heart. Such damage is caused because the heart has to work too hard to get oxygen-rich blood. People who have heart disease are at much higher risk of fatal heart attacks if they smoke. Smoking depletes oxygen in the blood, constricts blood vessels and increases the burden on the heart.

    Diabetes

    • A diabetic person who smokes is at risk of developing several complications related to diabetes and heart disease. Diabetes by itself can cause delayed healing of wounds, heart problems and eye problems. Smoking further complicates these issues and can reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart and other parts of the body. This can lead to heart attacks, infections in wounds and even increase the chances of amputation.

    Second-hand Smoke

    • People who smoke in closed spaces leave behind toxic smoke that can linger on walls, furnishings and carpets. It is even more dangerous to smoke in the presence of pregnant women, infants and young children. Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the chances of developmental problems, SIDS and nerve damage in developing fetuses and young children.

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