The benefits of quitting smoking
Quitting smoking brings major and immediate benefits to any smoker, regardless of age or gender. Former smokers have a longer life expectancy than those who continue to smoke, and the risk of lung cancer and other cancers, heart attack, stroke and chronic obstructive disease will decrease considerably.
It is never too late to quit smoking, but the younger you get, the greater the benefits.
What happens after you smoke the last cigarette:
- After only 20 minutes, blood pressure and pulse return to normal. Peripheral circulation improves, the temperature of the hands and feet increases.
- In the next 8-12 hours, the level of carbon monoxide (toxic gas that makes it difficult for cells to absorb oxygen) decreases, reaching normal.
- After 48 hours, carbon monoxide and nicotine are completely eliminated from the blood. The risk of heart attack decreases.
- After 2-3 days, lung function improves, you will have fewer breathing problems.
- After 5-7 days, the sense of smell and taste improves, breathing is easier, teeth are cleaner, and energy levels begin to rise.
- After 2-3 weeks, physical exhaustion is considerably reduced and the risk of thrombosis is reduced. Circulation is improved, resistant to physical exertion is higher.
- After 4 weeks, coughing and other breathing problems are lessened. Sinus congestion is no longer a problem. The lungs are more resistant to infections and the energy level increases.
- After 2-3 months, lung function improves by 5%.
- After 1 year, the risk of developing cardiopulmonary disease is reduced by 50%.
- After 5 years, the risk of developing cancer of the throat or esophagus is halved.
- After 10 years, the risk of developing lung cancer is halved. The risk of osteoporosis is reduced.
- After 15-20 years, the risk of developing cancer of the throat, esophagus, pancreas, kidneys, bladder is equal to that of a non-smoker.
What does a cigarette contain?
The cigarette is made from the tobacco plant. This is a plant of the "Solanaceae" family, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes and parsley. After the plant is harvested, it is dried and then shredded. However, in order to intensify the aroma, but also to keep the cigarette burning, chemicals are added. About 4,000 such substances are known, of which 250 are harmful and about 60 are carcinogenic. Among these we mention:
Tar - a viscous substance of black-brown color, has an unpleasant taste, stains nails, teeth and lung tissue, contains hundreds of substances, some of which are carcinogenic;
Arsenic - a very strong poison, it is the main carcinogen in cigarette smoke;
Carbon monoxide - a toxic gas that reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen to tissues;
Benzene - aromatic hydrocarbon, combinations of benzene are considered to be social drugs, is strongly carcinogenic;
Cadmium - exposure to large amounts of cadmium can cause some forms of cancer;
Chromium - in large quantities can cause changes in DNA;
Formaldehyde - exposure to this substance increases the risk of brain cancer and leukemia.
What negative health effects can smoking have?
Smokers have a higher risk of developing a cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure leads to dilation of blood vessels, which can cause damage to them. Smoking increases bad cholesterol (LDL), then it combines with white blood cells and forms small deposits on the arteries. This increases the risk of stroke or heart attack. Obstructive pulmonary disease is often associated with smoking (chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, asthma).
Smokers also have a higher risk of developing pneumonia and other infectious diseases of the respiratory system.
Smoking is a major risk factor in the development of cancer (esophagus, larynx, kidneys, pancreas, stomach, lungs), but also acute myeloid leukemia. In addition, we mention a higher risk of infertility and erectile dysfunction, risk of developing ulcers, stains on teeth and gums and can even lead to tooth loss.
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