What are the harms of smoking?

Cigarettes, which rank first among the most frequently consumed tobacco products worldwide, are one of the extremely harmful habits that cause the death of more than 5 million people every year. Cigarette consumption is the first cause of preventable and non-communicable diseases and deaths related to these diseases all over the world. There are more than 7000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, hundreds of which are poisonous and more than 70 of which are directly carcinogenic.

Many harmful components such as cadmium used in battery production, methane gas found in large amounts in swamps, arsenic used in the chemical industry and known for its toxic effects, nicotine used in pesticide production, carbon monoxide gas responsible for stove and water heater poisoning, and ammonia used in the paint industry are directly absorbed into the body by cigarette smoke. is taken. Among these toxic chemicals that have extremely negative effects on human health, the substance called nicotine, which is used as an insecticide, also has a strong stimulating effect on the nervous system. Due to this feature of nicotine, smokers develop psychic and physical addiction to nicotine over time.

What is Cigarette Addiction?

Substance addiction is defined by the World Health Organization as "the person sees the psychoactive substance he/she is using as significantly more valuable than other previously valued objects and pursuits and gives that substance a much higher priority" and can be summarized as the person's loss of control over the use of any substance.

Nicotine addiction, also known as cigarette addiction, is defined by the World Health Organization as "regular consumption of 1 cigarette per day". With the consumption of nicotine, which has stimulating effects on the nervous system, a person may experience both physical and psychological addiction over time. Addiction, which occurs within months for alcohol use and within days for drug use, develops within hours with nicotine use. It is extremely important to avoid smoking, which is directly related to many serious health problems such as cancer, heart attack, stroke and depression, and to get professional support from expert units in case of addiction.

What are the harms of smoking?

Smoking negatively affects all organs of the body, especially the lungs, and can lead to serious health problems related to many body systems. Health problems related to smoking and its harms, which are responsible for the death of one person every 6 seconds worldwide, can be listed as follows:

CANCER

There are more than 7000 chemicals in cigarettes, hundreds of which are poisonous, and more than 70 of them are directly carcinogenic. Secondary cigarette smoke exposure, called cigarette consumption and passive smoking, is directly related to many cancer diseases, especially lung cancer and uterine cancer . Or it affects the treatment process of cancer. While the risk of a smoker dying from any cancer-related disease increases 7 times, the risk of death related to lung cancer increases 12 to 24 times.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Cigarette consumption and exposure to cigarette smoke are one of the preventable factors that lead to cardiovascular diseases. Carbon monoxide gas, which is found in cigarette smoke and is responsible for stove and water heater poisoning, passes from the lungs to the blood.

It binds directly to blood cells called hemoglobin. When these cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues, are bound with carbon monoxide gas, they cannot carry oxygen molecules and the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen to the tissues is greatly reduced. As a result, the workload of the heart increases, intravascular blood pressure rises and cardiovascular system diseases develop. The risk of smokers dying from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack is 4 times higher than non-smokers.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES

The organ most rapidly and intensely affected by cigarette smoke is undoubtedly the lungs. Tar, one of the harmful chemicals found in inhaled smoke, accumulates in the lung tissue and causes damage to these tissues over time. As a result, respiratory capacity decreases and the risk of serious respiratory system-related diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases. It can be said that the risk of COPD increases by more than 8% as a result of long-term smoking.

DETERIORATION IN SEXUAL FUNCTIONS

In order for all cells in the body to continue functioning properly, each cell must have sufficient oxygen levels. As a result of smoking, the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is greatly reduced and this causes loss of function in all body systems. Toxic chemicals ingested through cigarette smoke cause deterioration in sexual functions in both genders. These chemicals, which have very harmful effects on the ovaries and testicles, are also one of the important factors that increase the risk of infertility. While smoking causes reproductive health-related problems such as miscarriage, placenta problems and ectopic pregnancy during pregnancy, there is an increase in the risk of irregular menstrual cycle, osteoporosis, early menopause and gynecological cancer outside of pregnancy.

KIDNEY DISEASES

Nicotine taken into the body through cigarette smoke turns into a different chemical substance called cotinine after it is metabolized. This substance, which is one of the body's metabolic wastes, is excreted from the body through urine, but passes through the entire renal system until it is excreted with urine, and in the meantime, the kidneys and other structures are extremely negatively affected. In addition, the increase in blood pressure caused by smoking can cause serious damage to the kidneys and even kidney failure in the long term.

DEPRESSION

Smoking has extremely harmful effects on mental health, as well as on all systems of the body. Depressive symptoms are much more common in people who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke, and especially rapid increases and decreases in nicotine levels greatly increase the person's susceptibility to depression.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Cigarette consumption is one of the important factors leading to type 2 diabetes. While people who have smoked in the past have a 28% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, this number is much higher for people who continue to smoke.

Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Cigarette consumption directly affects all systems of the body and causes many systemic diseases. The decrease in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood causes cells to become deprived of oxygen and increases the susceptibility to many health problems, from heart attack to depression.

However, shortly after stopping smoking, the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood increases and all cells of the body reach sufficient oxygen saturation. The time and health benefits after quitting smoking can be listed as follows:

• Within 20 minutes, blood pressure returns to normal; There is an improvement in blood circulation.

• After 8 hours, the blood carbon monoxide level begins to decrease and the oxygen concentration of the blood increases.

• After 24 hours, the risk of heart attack, which increases 4 times with cigarette consumption, begins to decrease.

• At the end of the 48-hour period, the damage to the nerve endings decreases and the sense of taste and smell improves.

• Blood circulation improves between 2 weeks and 3 months; lung capacity increases by 30%. Walking, exercising, and climbing stairs become much easier.

• Between 1 month and 9 months, the secretion, which is concentrated in the sinuses and lungs, decreases; Healthier breathing is ensured and the person begins to feel much more energetic and vigorous.

• At the end of a smoke-free year, both heart and vascular structures improve significantly and the risk of coronary artery disease is reduced by half.

• After 5 years, the risk of death due to lung cancer is halved. The risk of stroke is the same as a non-smoker. The risks of cancer related to the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder and kidney are reduced.

Does Smoking Affect Sperm Motility?

Smoking can negatively affect sperm motility. In men who smoke, sperm count may decrease, causing sperm deformities and negatively affecting sperm motility. This can lead to fertility problems and reduce the chances of pregnancy. Men who smoke can improve their sperm health by quitting smoking.

Smoking Cessation Program

Smoking cessation programs help smokers overcome their nicotine addiction. These programs provide smoking cessation strategies, support and counseling services. A variety of methods are used, including nicotine replacement products, prescription medications, and behavioral therapies. By choosing a personalized smoking cessation program, smokers can increase their chances of quitting smoking.

Harms of Smoking While Pregnant

Smoking while pregnant can seriously harm the health of the mother and the fetus. Smoking can increase the risk of premature birth, cause low birth weight, and cause developmental problems in the baby. Additionally, the baby in the womb is exposed to nicotine and harmful chemicals, which can cause long-term health problems. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to avoid smoking during pregnancy.

Which Organs Does Smoking Damage?

Smoking can have harmful effects on many organs and systems in the body. It causes serious damage especially to the lungs and increases the risk of lung cancer. It also damages the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of heart diseases. In addition, smoking can damage many organs such as liver, kidney, stomach and intestines and increase the risk of cancer.

Does Smoking Damage Teeth?

Smoking has many harmful effects on teeth and tooth enamel, oral diseases and odor. Smoking can cause yellowing of teeth, wear away tooth enamel, and increase the risk of gum disease. It can also cause bad breath problems. Dental health problems are more common in smokers, and long-term smoking can lead to tooth loss. Quitting smoking is an important step in protecting dental health.

What are the Frequently Asked Questions About Smoking?

HOW DOES SMOKING AFFECT SKIN HEALTH?

Smoking can negatively affect skin health. The toxic chemicals contained in cigarettes can reduce blood flow to the skin and inhibit collagen production. This may cause the premature appearance of wrinkles and lines, which are signs of aging on the skin. Additionally, smokers' skin may appear dull and pale. Smoking may also increase the risk of acne and other skin problems.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF SMOKING?

Smoking has many harms to health. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, diabetes, stomach cancer, mouth cancer, esophageal cancer and many other types of cancer. Additionally, smoking irritates the respiratory tract, can weaken the immune system, and cause inflammation throughout the body.

WHAT IS SECONDHAND SMOKE AND HOW IS IT HARMFUL?

Passive smoking refers to the situation in which non-smoking individuals are exposed to cigarette smoke. Secondhand smoke causes exposure to the same harmful chemicals and can lead to health problems. Secondhand smoke is especially risky for children, pregnant women and people with chronic respiratory problems. Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of serious health problems such as respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer.