Health Consequences of Smoking Tobacco

Smoking tobacco has numerous negative health consequences that can lead to serious health problems and even death. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can cause damage to nearly every organ in the body. One of the most serious health risks associated with smoking is an increased risk of lung cancer. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that can damage lung tissue and lead to the growth of cancerous cells. In fact, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for more than 80% of cases. Other cancers, including throat, mouth, and bladder cancer, are also associated with smoking.

In addition to cancer, smoking can also cause a range of respiratory problems. Tobacco smoke irritates the lungs and can cause inflammation and swelling, leading to conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions can cause difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and other respiratory symptoms. Smoking can also worsen existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.

Smoking can also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the lining of blood vessels and cause them to narrow, making it more difficult for blood to flow through. This can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Smoking also increases the risk of other cardiovascular problems, such as peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysm. In addition, smoking can cause damage to reproductive organs and decrease fertility, as well as increase the risk of pregnancy complications and birth defects.

Have a look at the effects smoking has on your health at:

• https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/health_effects/index.htm

• https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm

Here are some resources for quitting smoking tobacco:

• https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/patient-care/index.html?s_cid=OSH_hcp_GL0007

• https://quitpartnermn.com/

• https://www.mntobaccofreealliance.org/

• https://www.smokefreegenmn.org/the-legacy-of-clearway-minnesota/

By quitting smoking, we can improve our health in numerous ways. We can reduce our risk of cancer from smoking, improve our lung function, reduce our risk of heart disease and improve our mental health. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps we can take to improve our health and reduce our risk of serious health problems.