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Teenage Smoking Hazards

Teenagers decide to light their first cigarette for all sorts of reasons -- to fit in with their peer group, to act like adults, to imitate their favorite rock or film star or for the sheer buzz of doing something forbidden. Whatever the motivation , teenage smoking poses severe risks for healthy development.

  1. Respiratory Problems

    • Respiratory problems are a common health complaint among teenage smokers. Continual inhalation of smoke into the lungs is hazardous as it inhibits your ability to breathe in and out. This can lead to shortness of breath and heart palpitations during exercise regimens or simply running to catch the school bus. Another respiratory problem includes sustained coughing fits. Teenagers who already suffer from asthma and start to smoke are particularly vulnerable to these health complaints.

    Nicotine Addiction

    • Having the odd cigarette as a teenager, either because you like the feeling or you want to fit in with your peer group, is not a huge problem in itself. Health problems related to smoking usually only arise after several years of persistent smoking. However, nicotine has powerful addictive qualities, meaning experimenting as a teenage could forge a habit that will stay with you your entire life. Addiction means you are likely to become dependent on cigarettes and smoke more, throwing away money and putting your health at risk in the process. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that people who begin smoking under the age of 21 find quitting more difficult than those who started later in life.

    Passive Smoking

    • Teenage smoking isn't only a risk to those who partake in it. Many teenage groups have smokers within their ranks, meaning even non-smoker teenagers may be regularly exposed to second-hand smoke. Encouraging your friends to quit or avoiding hanging around them if they smoke can cause social stigmatization and ostracize teenagers from their peer groups. Second-hand smoke can lead to a range of serious health conditions including lung cancer, coronary artery disease and throat cancer. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states almost 50,000 deaths a year are linked to exposure to second hand smoke.

    Other Health Concerns

    • Respiratory problems are just one of the many conditions associated with teenage smokers. Smoking can also lead to irritation of the throat, bad breath, yellowing teeth and fingernails. These can in turn lead to a loss of confidence in teenagers as their appearance and hygiene levels deteriorate, causing difficulties with dating and participating in sports. Teenage smoking can also lead to an increased susceptibility to common childhood illnesses such as the flu, cold and bronchitis. The Kid's Health website also states that smoking can have even more dire consequences for future health as teenagers who pick up the habit are more likely to move on to more serious narcotics such as marijuana and heroin.

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