Cigarettes not only contain tobacco and nicotine, but also include other additives that are harmful to a smoker’s health. Smoking involves inhaling the smoke produced from the cigarette, which contains carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous to the lungs and circulatory system. During normal respiration, the air that is absorbed during inhalation is used to re-oxygenate the blood. The blood in turn carries oxygen to all of the cells of the body, helping them to perform the essential body functions. In smokers, carbon monoxide levels in the blood increase, causing less oxygen to be carried through the body, and causing side effects of headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Stopping smoking will reduce the carbon monoxide levels within only a few days.

There are other health consequences associated with circulation issues caused by smoking. The chance of heart disease and other heart risks is increased in smokers due to the high levels of carbon monoxide in the blood. Smoking can also result in high blood pressure as the nicotine causes vessels to constrict, making it more difficult for blood to travel through the body. The extra strain on the heart can leave lasting impacts. Male smokers also have an increased risk of erectile dysfunction as circulation is affected. 

Smoking can also increase the risks of lung cancer and bladder cancer exponentially. Even secondhand or passive smoke has been shown to cause lung and bladder cancer. Because of the thousands of carcinogens that are included in cigarettes, constant contact with these toxins causes the cells in the lungs and bladder to reproduce abnormal cancer cells. 

Smokers may also have chronic bronchitis. Inhaling smoke causes the inflammation of the airways and irritation causes the airways to produce mucus. The mucus blocks the airways, resulting in coughing, tightness in the chest, and difficulty breathing. Chronic bronchitis can ultimately lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. In addition to the symptoms of chronic bronchitis, COPD is paired with frequent respiratory infections, fatigue, and wheezing. Smokers who quit will reduce their risk of these diseases.

Expectant mothers who smoke while pregnant not only put themselves at risk, but also put their unborn child at risk as well. The toxins that are being inhaled are transported directly to the child through the blood. During a time of growth and development, these toxins prohibit the baby from developing properly. Smoking while pregnant increases the chance for infant death and low birth weights. It can also increase the chances of underdeveloped lungs and asthma later in the child’s life.

The long-term health benefits of quitting smoking are immense. Smoking cessation can be difficult but is important in order to increase a person’s life span. By quitting smoking, life-threatening diseases and premature death can be avoided.