About the Disadvantages of Smoking

With smoking comes a variety of disadvantages. It's easy to set the disadvantages aside when we're young. It is not until we start having health problems that we decide to turn our attention to the disadvantages of our habit. Once you begin smoking, you will at some point, experience some of the disadvantages that come with smoking.

• Girl with a cigarette.

Lung Cancer

• According to the National Cancer Institute, "80 percent of deaths by lung cancer among women, and 90 percent among men attributed to smoking. Approximately 38,000 deaths each year in the United States are caused by secondhand smoke exposure."

Emphysema

• Emphysema is a result of smoking cigarettes for a long period of time. Emphysema impairs the lungs' air sacs, hindering your ability to breathe. Symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath and fatigue, among others.

COPD

• COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, makes it hard for you to breathe and only worsens with time. Wheezing and a tightness in chest are some of the symptoms of COPD. Cigarette smoking causes a majority of COPD cases.

Chronic Bronchitis

• Chronic bronchitis is most often caused by cigarette smoking. The airways to the lungs become inflamed, making mucus produce from the irritation to the airways.This can make it more difficult to get air in the lungs. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include a cough containing phlegm, trouble breathing and tightness or restriction in the chest.

Heart Disease and Stroke

• While smoking, the heart rate is increased because of the mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in the tobacco. Thanks to this increase, the blood pressure also increases, which can cause a stroke or heart attack. Smoke has a role in coronary heart disease and takes oxygen away from the heart. 30 percent of all deaths by heart disease each year have a direct link with cigarettes.

Other Disadvantages

• Smoking can cause your teeth and fingernails to turn yellow. It also alters your ability to taste and smell well and leaves you with foul breath and stinky clothing. Smoking can also cause wrinkles, making your skin appear older than it really is. Last but not least, a lot of money is spent on smoking, as the price per pack continues to increase.