Health Effects of Smoking – Risks and Impacts
Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. Its impact on health is extensive and profound, affecting nearly every organ in the body. Regular smoking exposes your system to over 7,000 harmful chemicals, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and numerous carcinogens.
Smoking is strongly associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as lung cancer (the leading cause among smokers), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular illnesses. Moreover, it compromises the immune system, making smokers more susceptible to respiratory infections and illnesses such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.
In addition to these significant health concerns, prolonged smoking contributes to premature aging, decreased fertility, and complications during pregnancy, such as low birth weight or preterm birth. Furthermore, secondhand smoke harms non-smokers, increasing their risks for asthma, heart disease, and other related problems.
Quitting smoking can significantly reduce these risks and improve overall health. Within weeks of quitting, lung function begins to improve, and over time, the risks of serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer decrease. Seeking professional support and using evidence-based cessation strategies, such as nicotine replacement therapy or counseling, can help achieve long-term success in quitting smoking.
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