Smoking poses significant risks to the human body, making it an addiction with dire consequences. The culprit behind this is tobacco, the primary component found in cigarettes having a staggering array of over 3000 toxic chemicals, including some that are known to be cancer-causing.
Contrary to a widely held belief, the dangerous impact of smoking extends beyond the respiratory system and reaches every organ within the human body. In fact, the effects of smoking are far more extensive and surprising than commonly recognized.
Here are a few of those,
- Loss of Vision
Individuals heavily addicted to cigarettes face the potential risk of experiencing blindness or vision loss. This is because of the interference of tobacco, found in cigarettes, with the blood flow to the retina. Besides, severe muscle degeneration occurs within the eye. Moreover, smokers who encounter vision loss are also prone to developing high blood pressure, a condition also attributable to tobacco usage. In addition to these concerns, smoking can give rise to various other eye-related issues, such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome.
- High Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
It may surprise you to learn that individuals who engage in cigarette smoking have a 30%-40% higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. The underlying cause of this correlation lies in the harmful chemicals present in cigarettes, which inflict damage upon the body’s cells and hamper their normal functioning. As a consequence, inflammation spreads throughout the body, potentially leading to a reduction in insulin levels—a crucial hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
Additionally, when the chemicals from cigarettes combine with oxygen within the body, a process known as oxidative stress occurs, resulting in cell damage. Both inflammation and oxidative stress have been commonly associated with an increased risk of diabetes.
- Erectile Dysfunction
According to research, individuals who consume over 20 cigarettes per day exhibit a 60% enhanced risk of developing erectile dysfunction, in comparison to non-smoking men. This unfortunate consequence primarily results from the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
The presence of plaque hinders the smooth circulation of blood through the vessels, leading to various circulatory issues throughout the body, including erectile dysfunction. However, the positive news is that resolving this problem can be achieved by quitting the addiction, and the recovery process typically does not require an extensive amount of time.
- Ectopic Pregnancy
Heavy smoking has been mainly associated with a life-threatening reproductive complication in women known as ectopic pregnancy. This condition occurs when a fertilised egg implants itself in a location outside the uterus. Unfortunately, in such cases, the eggs are unable to survive, posing a serious risk to the mother’s life as well. Once again, these abnormalities are primarily attributed to the presence of harmful chemicals found in tobacco products.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily impacts the joints in the hands and feet. This condition, which is more prevalent in women, leads to pain and swelling, ultimately causing bone loss and joint deformity. Once again, tobacco emerges as a significant factor contributing to this condition, as it releases various inflammatory cytokines, including those associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
How to Quit Smoking Addiction?
To successfully overcome an addiction like smoking, it is essential to take a proactive approach. Quitting smoking abruptly, also known as the cold turkey method, can often lead to challenging withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms arise primarily due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine, the main component of tobacco. Consequently, gradually weaning yourself off the addiction becomes crucial for long-term cessation.
So, what are some strategies to achieve this?
One approach is to consider vaping, which involves the use of e-cigarettes, devices that do not contain tobacco. For instance, a vaping device like i-Get Disposable vape completely avoids the usage of tobacco and mimics the traditional cigarettes which people use normally. Also by eliminating tobacco, vapers can avoid exposure to over 3000 chemicals present in a standard cigarette.
Another option is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), a commonly used medical technique that involves administering nicotine in smaller doses. NRT can be delivered through adhesive patches, chewing gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers. By receiving controlled amounts of nicotine through these methods, smokers can progressively diminish their dependence on tobacco.
In a Nutshell,
You have seen lesser-known health consequences of smoking, extending beyond the commonly recognized respiratory problems. Understanding these problems may boost your motivation to break free from the smoking habit, if you currently engage in it. Also, you have learned about two popular and proven methods that many individuals employ to overcome smoking addiction. Lastly, identifying your personal reasons for wanting to quit this habit will undoubtedly assist in your swift recovery from this addiction.