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What are the health risks of tobacco smoking?

The use of tobacco reduces your life expectancy and also decreases your quality of life. Inhaling the toxins contained in cigarettes allows them to reach all areas of your body through the flow of blood. Scientific studies confirm that if you smoke, you face higher risks of illness and/or death from conditions including cancer, stroke, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, reduced fertility in men and women, erectile dysfunction and dental problems.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is smoking cessation?

Smoking cessation, also commonly known as quitting smoking, is the process of stopping the smoking of tobacco. Tobacco contains addictive compounds including nicotine, which makes it difficult for many people to quit.

What are the health risks of smoking while pregnant?

Pregnancy risks of smoking include sudden infant death syndrome, premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and infant mortality.

What are harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke?

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are harmful to the body. In particular, there are certain poisons including carbon monoxide and tar in tobacco smoke. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can be fatal in …

What are the benefits of quitting smoking?

As soon as you quit smoking, your body begins to repair itself. Your health will improve, you will live longer and you will save money. More specific advantages of quitting smoking include: your senses of smell and taste improve; exercising …

Are there different ways to quit smoking?

Smoking is addictive and can be difficult to quit; it can take people many attempts before quitting completely. It is important to find a strategy for quitting that is right for you and suits your lifestyle. This will help you be more in control of …

What are reasons to quit smoking?

Reasons for quitting smoking are different for everybody. Some examples that may help you include getting healthy and avoiding health risks, breathing easier and getting fit, being a role model to your children, saving money, or because you are planning to …

What can I do in preparation for quitting smoking?

You may benefit from setting and achieving some small goals before quitting smoking on a specific day. This could involve avoiding smoking at times that you normally would, for example, with your morning coffee, in a work break, or at the …

What are common withdrawal symptoms that occur after quitting smoking?

Quitting smoking is not easy and you will probably experience withdrawal symptoms that involve changes in your mood, behavior and body related to quitting. Initial withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person and …

What is nicotine replacement therapy?

If you are heavily addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy may be used to help you quit smoking. This has proven to be effective and involves the use of a combination of chewing gums, inhalers, transdermal skin patches …

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About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1219 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease