Nicotine and Cigarettes

Nicotine is the chemical that causes the smoker to become addicted. Every time someone takes a drag off a cigarette, they are introducing more than 4,000 chemicals into their body. More than 40 of them have been shown to cause cancer.

Nicotine is a physiologically addictive; research has shown that it increases the levels of dopamine, a neurological transmitter, in the smoker's brain. When this happens, the smoker experiences an increase in pleasurable feelings, and the person will want to repeat them by continuing to smoke. Quitting smoking (and depriving the body of nicotine) means that the individual will experience withdrawal symptoms within 48-72 hours after the last cigarette was smoked.

Cigarettes also contain carbon monoxide. This substance, contained in car exhausts, damages the lungs. It also deprives the body of oxygen, which means that the heart must work harder to give the body what it needs.

The Dangers of Cigarette Smoking
Smoking has numerous effects on our health, and none of them are positive. Even non-smokers are vulnerable to the dangers of cigarette smoking; inhaling second-hand smoke is just as toxic as it is to the primary smoker.

Cancer
Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, but that is not the only form of this disease that has been linked to this habit. If a person smokes tobacco, they are also increasing their risk for other cancers, such as:

Mouth
Oesophagus
Throat
Tongue
Voice Box
In addition to these cancers, smoking can also increase a person's risk of developing the following types of cancer:

Anus
Bladder
Cervix
Kidney
Liver
Pancreas
Penis
Stomach
Vulva
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Lung Diseases
Smoking increases the risk of developing emphysema. This condition enlarges the air spaces in the lungs and is responsible for causing damage to them.

Cigarette smoking also causes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This condition refers to emphysema and chronic bronchitis experienced together.

Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, this condition was responsible for 652,091 deaths in 2005. Coronary artery disease is one form of heart disease and occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart are blocked due to a buildup of fatty material or scar tissue.

Hair and Skin Problems
Smoking speeds up the rate at which the skin of the face develops wrinkles. It has also been linked to hair loss. Non-smokers will retain a youthful appearance for a longer period of time.

Health Issues for Men
Cigarette smoking has been linked to reduced fertility for men, as well as impotence.

Health Issues for Women
Women who smoke during pregnancy increase their risk of having a miscarriage, a low birth weight baby, and giving birth prematurely. Smokers also have increased incidence of irregular or painful menstrual periods. Premature menopause is another health issue that women who smoke may face due to this habit.

Health Risks for Children
Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at increased risk for the following health concerns:

Asthma
Ear infections
Meningitis (an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord)
Respiratory infections
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Getting Help to Quit Smoking
Learning about the dangers of cigarette smoking may encourage people to give up the habit entirely. Making an appointment with your doctor to work up a plan is a great place to start. He or she can recommend various strategies to help the smoker kick the habit for good.