Smoking harms almost every part of your body. When you smoke, you inhale thousands of harmful chemicals that can cause serious health problems over time.
Lungs: Smoking damages your lungs. It can cause diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, making it hard to breathe. Smoking is also the leading cause of lung cancer.
Heart: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease. It raises your blood pressure and narrows your blood vessels, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Immune System: Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. This increases your chances of getting sick more often.
Digestive System: Smoking can cause stomach ulcers, and acid reflux, and increase the risk of cancers in the stomach, liver, and pancreas.
Reproductive System: In men, smoking can lead to erectile dysfunction and lower sperm count. In women, smoking reduces fertility and increases the risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage.
Skin, Hair, and Teeth: Smoking causes premature ageing, wrinkles, and yellow teeth. It can also lead to hair thinning and bad breath.
Addiction: Nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive. It changes the brain’s chemistry, making it harder to quit smoking. Smoking also worsens mental health, contributing to anxiety and depression.
Cancer: Besides lung cancer, smoking raises the risk of cancers in the mouth, throat, bladder, and kidneys.
Quitting smoking can improve your health almost immediately. Within weeks, your lungs start to heal, your heart health improves, and your risk of many diseases drops. Quitting may be tough, but it’s worth it for a healthier future.