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Bad Things About Smoking

Most people are aware that smoking poses a serious threat to their health, but the precise risks that cigarettes pose may not be as readily understood. According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals, including nicotine, arsenic, ammonia, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Nicotine is highly addictive, which is why many people have difficulties kicking their smoking habit. However, making yourself aware of the many negative consequences that smoking entails may provide the motivation to give up cigarettes for good.

  1. May Lead to Pulmonary Disease

    • Because cigarette smoke is inhaled through the lungs, smoking may lead to a several lung diseases, including lunch cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma. According to the American Lung Association, smoking is directly responsible for nearly 90 percent of lung cancer-related deaths and 80 to 90 percent of deaths due to emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The carcinogenic chemicals found in cigarette smoke such as benzoapyrene are deposited in the lungs through smoking and may cause inflammation, oxidative stress and DNA damage that leads to the growth of tumors. Emphysema may develop in cigarette smokers when the air sacs in the lungs known as alveoli are damaged by inhaled smoke. Chronic bronchitis and asthma are typically caused by inflammation in the lungs that may be brought about by smoking.

    May Cause Heart Disease and Stroke

    • Cigarette smoking is a well-established risk factor for stroke and heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, smokers have an increased risk for atherosclerosis, or the buildup of fatty material in the arteries, and many studies suggest that smoking is a major contributor to coronary heart disease. The carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarette smoke is extremely damaging to the cardiovascular system, and may cause increased blood pressure and blood-clotting tendencies. Smoking can also decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is known as good cholesterol because it can help protect against heart attack. Smoking may also cause individuals to be less able to tolerate exercise, which can play an important role in cardiovascular health. For patients who have undergone bypass surgery, smoking may also heighten the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease. In addition, smoking may increase the risk of aortic aneurysm and peripheral arterial disease.

    May Affect Physical Appearance

    • In addition the many serious health risks that smoking may pose, cigarettes may also take a toll on your physical appearance. Smoking often causes staining and yellowing of the teeth, and smokers are more likely to get cavities than nonsmokers, according to the Center for Young Women's Health. Smoking may also cause wrinkles and a leathery appearance to the face, so smokers often look older than they actually are.

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