Smoking : A Costly choice

Editor

February 2, 2011
2 min read
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Smoking is number one cause of preventable premature death in the United states. Percentage of US poplation that smokes comes to around 25% with Male more then Female. But The teenage females have a high rate of smoking.

Types of Smoking-
1. Smoke inhaled by the Smoker ( Mainstream or Direct smoke)
2. Passive smoke inhalation ( Sidestream Smoke)

Facts about Smoking-
Cigarette smoke contains about 4000 components and over 40 carcinogens . Carbon monoxide, Arsenic, Formaldehyde, Hydrogen cyanide,Benzene, Tar and Nicotine ( addictive component) are known poisons.

DISEASES RELATED TO CIGARETTE SMOKING:-
CANCER
1. Lung cancer
2. Oral cavity, pharynx and laryngeal cancer
3. Esophagus and stomach cancer
4. Cervical cancer
5. Pancreatic cancer
6. Kidney, Ureter and Bladder cancer
7. Leukemia ( Benzene)

Cardiovascular Diseases :
1. Major risk for atherosclerosis
2. Coronary artery disease
3. Myocardial Infarction
4. May induce coronary Vasospasm ( Variant angina)
5. Peripheral vascular diseases
6. Aortic aneurysm
7. Buergers disease
8. Stroke

Respiratory Disease:
1. Chronic Bronchitis
2. Emphysema
3. Asthma
4. Increased pulmonary infection

Health of Women-
1. Early menopause
2. Higher rate of post-menopausal osteoporosis

Effect on Pregnancy and Children-
1. Higher rates of stillbirth and spontaneous abortions
2. IUGR ( Intrauterine Growth Retartdation)
3. SIDS ( Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
4. Higher rates of Otitis Media and Upper Respiratory infections URTIs.
5. Increased incidence of Asthma

There are almost no organ spared by the ill-effect of smoking. Still it is a Lifestyle choice of many, and it is a costly choice. Smoking always gives you a chance to quit.” Its Never to late to quit” as after Smoking cessation for 15 years, it reduces the overall risk of dying almost to that of a anon smoker.

Quiting Smoking : Right Choice, Precious Choice-
There is a clear demarcation between the health of smoker and nonsmoker in one organ system, ie Respiratory System. It’s never the same between smoker and non-smoker.