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We all know that smoking impacts the respiratory system, which is why so many suffer from what has become infamously known as the smoker’s cough. But, in fact, the habit has been linked to all sorts of respiratory issues including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
But did you know that smoking impacts much more than just the lungs? Here are 10 health side effects of smoking that you’ve probably never considered. Knowing just how smoking impacts the entire body may be the persuasion you need to switch to an alternative product, such as Black Buffalo.
1. Increased Risk of Blindness
One of the most common vision issues that smokers experience is dry eye. But, there are also long-term vision issues that smokers face that are much more severe. For example, smoking increases the risk of cataracts, which, if left untreated, can cause blindness.
Smokers are also at an increased risk of other vision conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and others. This is because smoking damages the optic nerve. When this nerve is damaged, you can become blind.
2. Reproductive System Issues
Smoking can cause all sorts of reproductive problems in both men and women. Male smokers are at a higher risk of suffering from erectile dysfunction. This is because smoking disrupts blood vessels, making it harder for blood to pump to certain areas of the body.
Male smokers also face a higher risk of poor sperm quality, which impacts fertility.
In women, there are many reproductive repercussions of smoking. Many of the chemicals in cigarette smoke interfere with the body’s ability to produce estrogen. This puts a woman’s eggs at a higher risk of genetic abnormalities.
Female smokers are also more likely to experience trouble getting pregnant. This is because the harmful chemicals in cigarettes change cervical fluids, which makes it harder for sperm to successfully fertilize an egg.
3. Lowered Ability to Taste
If you love the taste of food, smoking may be a habit that you want to kick immediately. Smoking is known to dull, or even kill your taste buds. This means that you’ll lose your sense of taste, which makes eating a lot less enjoyable.
Smoking impacts the taste buds by impacting the blood supply in the mouth region.
4. Digestive Issues
Smokers face an increased risk of many digestive issues, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the esophageal sphincter muscle is weakened. When this happens, acidic fluid from the stomach flows backward into the esophagus, which causes a burning sensation in the throat and chest region.
Smoking also increases the risk of other digestive conditions including:
- Peptic ulcers
- Colon polyps
- Certain liver diseases
- Pancreatitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Gallstones
Those who smoke are also more likely to be diagnosed with cancer of the stomach, colon, and pancreas.
5. Skin Problems
A single cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals, many of which destroy the skin. Tobacco and other chemicals impact elastin and collagen, which are the skin’s building blocks. Without them, the skin is much more likely to sag. Smokers are also likely to experience deeper wrinkles, especially around the mouth area.
Smoking also impacts the skin by depriving it of oxygen and other nutrients. This is why smokers often appear pale or have an uneven skin tone.
Aside from aging the skin, smoking also impacts the organ’s ability to heal. This means that cuts and wounds will take longer to heal, and there’s an increased risk of infection.
6. Hearing Loss
Cigarette smoking can cause hearing loss as well as many other hearing issues. Smokers of all ages are 70% more likely to experience hearing loss. This is because the cochlea, which is found in the inner ear, receives less oxygen due to impacted blood flow caused by smoking.
Hearing problems have also been found to impact teens and young adults. Young smokers are two to three times more likely to develop hearing loss.
Aside from hearing loss, smoking has also been linked to vertigo, tinnitus, and dizziness.
7. Inflammation & Joint Pain
Inflammation and joint pain don’t just happen because you’re getting older! Many studies have found that people who smoke are twice as likely to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when compared to other smokers. This is likely because smoking increases inflammation throughout the body while also impacting your pain threshold.
RA not only causes painful swelling throughout the body, but it can also lead to joint deformity and even bone loss.
8. Bone Fractures
Smoking not only makes your joints ache, but smokers also lose bone density at a much faster rate when compared to people who don’t smoke. This means that there’s an increased risk of bone fractures and breaks.
9. Poor Dental Health
Smoking takes a serious toll on your dental health. One of the most visible side effects of long-term smoking is yellow teeth. But, cosmetic issues aren’t the only concern for smokers. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and gum infection. Periodontics destroys the bone that supports the teeth, which means there’s an increased risk of losing your teeth.
Those who smoke are also at an increased risk of:
- Persistent bad breath
- Plaque and tartar build-up
- Stained teeth
Of course, there’s also a much higher risk of oral cancer as well.
10. Poor Hair Health
Men and women who smoke are more likely to experience hair thinning and even balding. While it’s normal for the hair to thin as we get older, smoking accelerates the process, which means that young smokers may notice more hair loss and poor hair health.
Conclusion
When people think about the health side effects of smoking, many only believe that the habit will impact their respiratory and cardiovascular health. But, the habit is one that truly impacts the entire body, inside and out.
Knowing just how harmful smoking is to every part of the body can be quite eye-opening. Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent these health issues.
