The dangers of smoking for the health of the body need not be doubted. Various dangerous diseases can be caused by this bad habit. Not only active smokers, but cigarettes are also dangerous for anyone who inhales the smoke or passive smokers.
Every cigarette you smoke can increase your risk of various diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, fertility problems, and lung disorders, such as COPD and lung cancer. Even smoking also increases the risk of postoperative complications in the form of incisional hernias.
Types of Dangerous Content in Cigarettes
The dangers of smoking arise from the various ingredients contained in a cigarette. It is estimated that there are more than 7,000 chemicals in it and about 70 of them can cause cancer.
The following are dangerous chemicals in cigarettes:
Nicotine
Nicotine is a stimulant that can improve mood and improve memory and concentration. However, this substance can cause addictive or addictive effects, making it difficult for smokers to stop the habit.
In addition, people who are addicted to nicotine are also at risk of experiencing dangerous nicotine side effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, decreased appetite, shortness of breath, nausea, and diarrhea.
If someone suddenly stops smoking, his body will experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This can cause anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and increased appetite.
Carbon monoxide
This substance is often found in car exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide can block the supply of oxygen to all parts of the body, forcing the heart to work harder and interfering with lung performance.
tar
When smoking, the tar content in cigarettes will also be sucked in. This substance can narrow the small airways in the lungs or bronchioles whose job is to absorb oxygen.
In addition, tar can also damage fine hair or cilia which function to remove viruses, germs, dust, and foreign bodies from the respiratory tract.
Tar in cigarette smoke contains various carcinogenic chemicals that can trigger the development of cancer cells in the body. This substance can also make teeth and fingers turn yellow.
Benzene
Benzene can be found in pesticides and fuel oil (gasoline). Exposure to benzene in cigarettes can increase the risk of developing leukemia and other blood disorders.
In addition to the ingredients above, there are still many toxic chemical substances in a cigarette, such as arsenic which is used in pesticides, formalin which is commonly used to preserve corpses, cyanide to make chemical weapons, and ammonia.
Dangers of Smoking for Health
The chemical substances contained in cigarettes are very dangerous for your health and those around you. There are several dangers of smoking to health, including:
1. Cardiovascular disorders
People who frequently smoke, either actively smoking or just inhaling second-hand smoke from the people around them, have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.
This risk can be increased in smokers who rarely exercise, do not maintain their diet, and are often stressed.
2. Brain damage
Smoking can interfere with brain development and function, in children, adolescents, and adults. In addition, smoking can also increase the risk of various diseases in the brain, such as stroke, brain aneurysm, and dementia or dementia.
3. Diseases of the mouth and throat
Bad breath, stained teeth, and gum disease are effects that often arise from smoking. Not only that, but smoking can also cause other serious problems, such as cancer of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, including cancer of the larynx and nasopharynx.
4. Lung disease
One of the most dangerous effects of smoking is lung cancer. The chemicals in cigarettes have the potential to damage lung cells which can then turn into cancer cells.
In addition, smoking can also cause various lung diseases, such as bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema.
5. Stomach disease
Smoking can weaken the muscles that control the lower part of the esophagus, allowing stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus. This condition is known as acid reflux disease or GERD.
Some other risks of stomach disease that can occur in a smoker are ulcers or stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.
6. Porous or brittle bones
Toxins in cigarettes can cause fragility in the bones. Therefore, smokers are more at risk of experiencing brittle bones or osteoporosis. Research also states that women who smoke are more susceptible to osteoporosis than women who do not smoke.
7. Premature aging
Smoking can damage the skin and cause premature aging. Signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, are at risk of appearing earlier in active smokers. This is due to the lack of oxygen intake to the skin, so people who smoke will look older than people who don't smoke.