Smoking begins from experimentation with cigarettes by teenagers who smoke in order to look cool, stylish and sexy but gradually they become dependent both physically and psychologically on cigarettes. Cigarette and other forms of tobacco contain many toxic chemicals including nicotine and carbon monoxide. These toxins are extremely dangerous to human health and are carcinogenic and damaging to human tissues.

 

Following is a short account of 10 most horrible diseases caused by smoking.

 

10. Gum Disease

 

Smoking can inflict serious damage and disease to oral mucosa and gums because it leads to deposition of toxins over gums and mucosa causing their staining. This deposition of toxins damages the local tissues, reduces the blood supply and leads to impaired healing. Hence any treatment for these problems does not work until the affected person quits the smoking otherwise problems become aggravated, which can eventually cause loss of teeth.

08. Erectile Dysfunction

 

Smoking causes narrowing of blood vessels including that of penis resulting in erectile dysfunction and hence leading to impotence. Although erectile dysfunction does not shorten one’s life but as most men will agree that it will be deadly to their quality of life.

06. Hypertension

 

Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels resulting in increased blood pressure, which leads to increased risk of heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke.

04. Respiratory Diseases

 

Smoking over a longer period of time can lead to development of breathing problems, commonly known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During first phase of the disease patient develops chronic bronchitis, which means longstanding inflammation of airways, followed by bronchiectesis, which means destruction of airways, and eventually emphysema, which means destruction of alveoli (small balloons where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange takes place). Hence one shouldn’t smoke in the first place and if you have already started smoking quit it as soon as possible.

02. Cancer

 

Most common cancer caused by smoking is lung cancer. Other types of cancer that are caused by smoking include blood cancer, mouth, tongue, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney, stomach, pancreas and cervix.

As a nurse, I am well aware of the dangers of smoking so I keep on telling my brother to quit smoking ( esp that recently he was already diagnosed with asthma), however, he does not listen to me. So what's the best way to convince a family member to quit smoking?Thanks!

Thanks! I agree with you that it will really be their choice...I am just to desperate since I am concern with his health..recently, I have another relative who was diagnosed with a lung tumor and I am suspecting it isrelated to his smoking habits

Thanks for the prayers Teresah...I really appreciate your concern! surely I will=)