There is no doubt about it: smoking is a dangerous habit. The health risks associated with it are both serious and numerous. Among the most common smoking risks are cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease. In addition, smokers run the risk of harming their loved ones by exposing them to secondhand smoke.
One of the most common smoking risks is an increased chance of developing cancer. This risk arises primarily from the fact that cigarettes contain at least 80 carcinogenic — or cancer-causing — chemicals which are drawn into the body with every puff. While most people know that smoking increases one’s risk of developing lung cancer, many do not realize that the habit has also been linked to cancer of the mouth, throat, stomach, liver, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and bowel.
Smoking also significantly increases one’s risk of developing heart disease. This is largely because it raises the blood pressure, reduces bodily levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol, and makes the blood more likely to clot. In addition, the reduced lung function associated with smoking makes exercise more difficult, further contributing to poor cardiovascular health.
Another of the most common smoking risks is stroke. The chemicals contained in cigarettes can damage the walls of the arteries, cause the blood’s oxygen levels to drop, and increase the blood pressure. These factors put a smoker at an increased risk for blood clots and blood vessel ruptures. Stroke can happen if a clot or ruptured blood vessel occurs in the brain.
Also prevalent among smoking risks is lung disease. Over time, many of the chemicals contained in cigarettes begin to build up in the lungs. This causes lung function to decrease, making breathing increasingly difficult. Long-term smokers are frequently afflicted by emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both which cause irritation of the lungs and labored breathing.
Perhaps one of the most alarming smoking risks is the possibility of harming loved ones by exposing them to secondhand smoke. This secondhand smoke exposure can put nonsmokers at risk for many of the same diseases which threaten smokers, such as cancer and lung conditions. In addition, medical research suggests that babies of mothers who smoked while pregnant are more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than babies of mothers who did not smoke.
While the risks of smoking are grim, the good news is that quitting can significantly reduce one’s chances of developing smoking-related diseases. Those considering quitting may wish to consult a physician for advice. Physicians may recommend using one of the many available smoking cessation products, such as nicotine patches or gum, to ease withdrawal symptoms and facilitate long-term quitting success.
