How does the cigarette affect your body?
07 December 2016
Every year more than 5 million people in the world die because of cigarettes. It is estimated that half of the smokers die of a disease related to smoking and that they live on average 10-15 years less than non-smokers, so it is important to know the damages that the cigarette causes in the health of those who smoke.
Short-term tobacco effects:
- Infections in the nose, throat and larynx.
- Infections in the respiratory tract such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Reduction of physical condition.
- Damage to the color and enamel of the teeth.
- Risk of dental caries due to plaque buildup.
- Fingers and nails turn yellow.
- Appearance of wrinkles on the face by the decrease of hydration of the skin.
- Bad breath.
- Bad body odor, including hair.
Long-term tobacco effects:
- Cancer of the mouth, throat, or lungs.
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Increased heart rate with rhythm disorders.
- Disruption of blood flow. Increasing blood cholesterol.
- Decreased oxygenation of the blood damaging internal organs.
- Cerebral haemorrhage.
- Sexual and reproductive problems (in women, premature infant death, deformities, or underweight children).
- In men infertility and alterations in sperm formation.
- Early death.
In people with HIV, tobacco weakens the immune system and can make it difficult to fight against HIV-related infections; In particular, lung infections. Tobacco may also affect the liver’s ability to process antiretroviral drugs.
People with HIV and low defenses are more likely to develop cancer than people who do not live with the virus, since smoking is very addictive, it is important for us to learn about cigarette damage and to seek help from clinic professionals. Comprehensive care to receive appropriate help to quit smoking
Source investigated by: IAle Calderón, El Salvador
