WHAT IS SMOKING?
Smoking according to oxford learners dictionary refers; to the action or habit of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of a tobacco or drug.
Whether it is cigarettes, cigar, a pipe or any other tobacco, is a habit the meets the criteria that defines addiction. Most smokers belief it reliefs them from anxiety and tension, while to others it has becoming a physical and psychological burden. Research has shown that smoking a pipe or cigar is hazardous but is considered less dangerous than smoking a cigarette.
HARMFUL SUBSTANCES PRESENT IN TOBACCO AND WHAT THEY DO TO THE BODY.
Below are the major groups of harmful substances in tobacco smoke, they are:
- Nicotine: This is the substance that causes addiction, it stimulates the release of epinephrine and other substances in the body that causes an increase in the pulse rate, rise in blood pressure, and narrowing of the blood vessel in the skin. Epinephrine causes an increase in fatty substances in the blood , and makes blood platelets stickier, therefore increasing the chances of the formation of blood clots.
- Carbon-monoxide: Its a poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of tobacco. Carbon-monoxide combines with haemoglobin in the lungs, thereby preventing the haemoglobin from carrying full quota of oxygen through out the circulation. This gas acts as poison and reduces a person's athletic ability.
- Cancer-producing substance are present in the tar in cigarette smoke.
- Some substance in tobacco irritate the lining of the bronchi, inducing spasm and increasing bronchial secretions. At the same time, this irritants damages cells that usually sweep the secretions out of the lung.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF SMOKING;
Based on research carried out, the following facts were discovered,
Cancer of the lung is the most publicized health hazard, and the peak of its incidence in men is at the age of 55 - 65 group. Two out seven smokers die before the age of 65.
Four times as many deaths are caused by cigarette smoking as by road accident. Cigarette smoking damages the lung, blood vessels and to a lesser extent, affects organs like the heart.
In women who smoke, the highest mortality rate occurs ten years earlier than in men, but only one death in twenty is caused by lung cancer.
Every cigarette that is smoked reduces the life expectancy of the smoker by about 10 minutes. This simply implies that; A man of about thirty-five who smokes a pack of cigarette a day can expect to live at least five years less than a man who doesn't smoke.
People who smoke do not only damage their health, but also that of others. It has been discovered that people who live or work in a smoky environment although non-smokers themselves have an increased risk of developing respiratory ailments.
Babies born to mothers who smoke are 5-13 ounce (140-364) lighter on average than those born to mothers who do not smoke.
Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to have a miscarriage, a stillborn or a baby that dies at birth or soon after birth.
Smoking damages the lungs, causing a disease known as chronic bronchitis and eventually escalates to emphysema which commonly occur in heavy smokers.
Smoking has also been discovered to be able to cause other health problems, because there is an increase in the risk of cancers of the bladder, pancreas, mouth, tongue etc. in smokers than in non-smokers.
Continuous smoking can cause dental disorders, and ailments like tuberculosis.
HEALTH BENEFIT OF QUITTING SMOKING
Quitting smoking is very important to smokers, there are several health benefits staying away from tobacco; apart from saving yourself, you all so save the lives of others who don't smoke.
There is great difference within a few days or weeks without tobacco, as there is an increase in the sense of taste, and smell and also gradual reduction in the amount of morning coughing and less shortness of breath during exercise.
The long term benefit is the steady decrease in the chances of getting lung cancer.
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