The Thrill of Smoking

Smoking is cool, or at least that is what most smokers believe and want us to believe.  But no matter how you indulge in it, tobacco is injurious to your health. Tobacco contains almost 7000 toxins and 70 known carcinogens (chemicals that higher the risk of cancer) and can damage nearly every organ of the body.  Read along to know and understand the effects of smoking on your body. 

Our dedicated team of the best pulmonologist in Bangalore helps in the treatment of various lung disorders including breathing problems due to allergy & asthma, and conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and even snoring.

Brain

One of the main reasons given by smokers is that it helps them relax.  On a short-term basis yes, it helps you relax but, it comes at a huge price. Smoking results in addiction, anxiety, it alters the brain chemistry and can also enhance the risk of stroke. 

Eyes

Smoking increases the risk of eye-related disorders such as excessive tearing, stinging, glaucoma, and cataract.  It can result in partial or total blindness if left untreated. 

Mouth and Throat

Cancer of the mouth and throat is more common among smokers.  In addition, it can also result in premature tooth loss, discolouration of teeth, gum disease, etc. 

Lungs

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world due to smoking.  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which leads to difficulty in breathing is another common cause of death among smokers. Chronic Bronchitis which is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes which also results in difficulty in breathing is caused primarily due to smoking.   Smoking also increases the risk of other infections including pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.

Sakra World Hospital is one of the best pulmonologist hospital in Bangalore offering the best lung treatment and care for all types of pulmonary diseases. The Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine has the top lungs specialist in Bangalore, who offers comprehensive consultative, diagnostic, and therapeutic services for different lung disorders.

Heart

Smoking is one of the major causes of heart disease.  Regular smokers, as well as secondary smokers (ones exposed to smoke), are at high risk of heart disease.  Tobacco also contributes to heart conditions by decreasing the good cholesterol (HDL) and increasing the bad cholesterol (LDL and Triglycerides) in the body. 

Abdomen

Smoking reduces appetite and prevents adequate nutrition to the body which makes the body weak.  It increases the insulin resistance of the body which increases the risk of having type 2 diabetes. Smoking also affects the liver and intestine and can increase the risk of ulcers in the stomach and intestine. 

Sex Organs

In men, smoking can cause abnormality of sperm, erectile dysfunction, impotence and prostate cancer.  In women, smoking can lead to early menopause, infertility, miscarriage, cervical and ovarian cancer. 

Smoking can impact the future generation.  It can cause physical deformities and sudden infant deaths. 

Kidney

The kidney is the organ that clears the toxic wastes from our bodies.  Smoking increases the risks of kidney failure, bladder cancer and other urinary tract-related problems.

Bones

Bones provide structure to the body.  Due to the toxins present in tobacco, smoking can result in osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), increasing the risk of hip fracture, problems related to the spine,  bone marrow cancer and also rheumatoid arthritis. 
In addition to the above-mentioned conditions, tobacco can also cause premature ageing, weak immunity, hair loss, etc.  So, the next time you are tempted to take a drag just pause for a minute and think of the consequences of your indulgence. 

Dr. Sachin Kumar
Senior Consultant Pulmonology
Sakra World Hospital
Received Coverage in The Economic Times - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/world-no-tobacco-day-how-smoking-affects-your-bones-brain-and-eyes/thrill-kills/slideshow/64396988.cms