Why Cigarettes are a Worst Enemy

Cigarettes and tobacco smoke contain over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. These substances damage cells throughout the body, leading to a variety of health problems, including:

- Cancer: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths in the United States. It causes cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, and cervix.

- Heart disease: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. It damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and raises cholesterol levels.

- Stroke: Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke. It damages the arteries in the brain, making them more likely to clot.

- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, which is a group of lung diseases that cause shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

- Asthma: Smoking can worsen asthma symptoms and increase the risk of developing asthma.

- Diabetes: Smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes. It damages the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

- Gum disease: Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, which can damage the gums and lead to tooth loss.

- Erectile dysfunction: Smoking can damage the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction.

- Infertility: Smoking can damage sperm and eggs, making it more difficult to conceive a child.

- Pregnancy complications: Smoking can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and other pregnancy complications.

- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of SIDS.

If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing many of the health problems listed above, and it can also help you live longer.

There are many resources available to help you quit smoking. Talk to your doctor, contact a smoking cessation support group, or visit online resources such as Smokefree.gov.