Harmful Effects of Smoking Cigarettes

Posted by Mudrika
October 27, 2008

Smoking is a terrible habit that effects one’s overall health as well as the health of others when exposed to second had smoke. If you are a smoker or are contemplating taking up the habit, you need to consider the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes in order to quit or to never start in the first place.

It is no secret that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances around. This toxic substance has the potential to increase the risk of so many smoking related diseases. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of cancer and heart disease. When you smoke, the blood vessels in your body constrict, causing a reduction in blood flow. This increases the chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Smokers are also more prone to contract respiratory illnesses such as emphysema and various forms of cancer including the most common which are lung, mouth, and esophagus.

Cigarette smoke also seeps into your hair, skin, clothes, and other fabrics. Have you ever noticed the way you smell or how your home smells? You are probably oblivious to it but your non-smoking friends and family will notice right away. Don’t be surprised if you find people avoiding you because of the oder. Everything from your car to your home can reek of the nasty smell. Hair is the primary place to soak up the smell. I can immediately tell when a person is a smoker because you can smell it right away even if they are a few feet away.

Smoking takes a toll on one’s skin as well. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to tell who is a smoker just by their appearance? Smokers tend to look very aged. They develop wrinkles faster than the average person which makes them look much older than they really are. You will also notice that some smokers develop a deeper, raspier voice - another bad side-effect from smoking.

If you are pregnant, avoid smokers at all costs as second hand smoke is just as dangerous as smoking a cigarette yourself. Smoking can cause miscarriages as well as other birth defects if exposed to cigarette smoke throughout the pregnancy.

Many people may think that smoking less often or choosing low-tar cigarettes is a safer option and that they can continue to smoke without the negative side-effects. This isn’t the case at all. The best option is to quit for good. There are no short-cuts when it comes to smoking cigarettes. Whether you smoke a pack a day or one cigarette a day, you are still increasing your chances of contracting respiratory problems, heart attacks, strokes, or worse.

Nicotine addiction makes it very difficult to quit smoking but it is not impossible. Hundreds of smokers quit successfully every day by finding a program right for them or by having a strong will and quitting cold turkey. If you are a smoker, take back your life and your health by giving up the dangerous habit as soon as you can.