DANGERS OF SMOKING

The dangers of smoking for the health of the body do not need to be doubted. Various dangerous
diseases can be caused by this bad habit. Not only active smokers, cigarettes are also dangerous
for anyone who inhales the smoke or passive smokers.

Every cigarette you smoke can increase your risk of developing various diseases, such as heart
disease, stroke, fertility problems, and lung disorders, such as COPD and lung cancer.

In Indonesia, it is estimated that more than 230,000 people die from smoking every year.

Types of Hazardous Content in Cigarettes

The dangers of smoking are caused by the various ingredients contained in a cigarette. It is
estimated that there are more than 7,000 chemicals in it and about 70 of them can cause cancer.

The following are harmful chemicals in cigarettes:

Nicotine
Nicotine is a stimulant that can improve mood and improve memory and concentration.
However, this substance can cause addiction or addiction effects, making it difficult for smokers
to stop the habit.

In addition, people who are addicted to nicotine are also at risk for dangerous side effects of
nicotine, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, reduced appetite, shortness of breath,
nausea, and diarrhea.

If a person suddenly stops smoking, his body will experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
This can cause anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping,
fatigue, irritability, and increased appetite.

Carbon monoxide
This substance is often found in car exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide can block the supply of
oxygen to all parts of the body, forcing the heart to work harder, and impairing the performance
of the lungs.

Tar
When smoking, the tar content in the cigarette will also be inhaled. This substance can narrow
the small air passages in the lungs or bronchioles which are responsible for absorbing oxygen.

In addition, tar can also damage the fine hair or cilia that function to remove viruses, germs,
dust, and foreign objects from the respiratory tract.
 Tar in cigarette smoke contains various carcinogenic chemicals that can trigger the development
of cancer cells in the body. This substance can also make teeth and fingers yellow.

Benzene
Benzene can be found in pesticides and fuel oil (gasoline). Exposure to benzene in cigarettes
can increase the risk of developing leukemia and other blood disorders.

In addition to the ingredients above, there are still many toxic chemical substances in a cigarette,
such as arsenic which is used in pesticides, formalin which is commonly used to preserve
corpses, cyanide to make chemical weapons, and ammonia.

Dangers of Smoking for Health

The chemical substances contained in cigarettes are very dangerous for your health and those
around you. There are several dangers of smoking to health, including:

1. Cardiovascular disorders
People who smoke frequently, either actively smoking or simply inhaling secondhand smoke
from those around them, are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and
stroke.

This risk can be further increased in smokers who rarely exercise, do not maintain a healthy diet,
and are often stressed.

2. Brain damage
Smoking can interfere with brain development and function, both in children, adolescents, and
adults. In addition, smoking can also increase the risk of various diseases in the brain, such as
stroke, brain aneurysm, and dementia or dementia.

3. Diseases of the mouth and throat

Bad breath, stained teeth, and gum disease are common effects of smoking. Not only that,
smoking can also cause other serious problems, such as cancer of the mouth, lips, tongue, and
throat, including laryngeal cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer.
4. Lung disease
One of the most dangerous effects of smoking is lung cancer. Chemicals in cigarettes have the
potential to damage lung cells which can then turn into cancer cells.

In addition, smoking can also cause various diseases of the lungs, such as bronchitis, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema.

5. Stomach disease
Smoking can weaken the muscles that control the lower part of the esophagus, allowing stomach
acid to rise up into the esophagus. This condition is known as acid reflux disease or GERD.

Some other risks of gastric disease that can occur in a smoker are ulcers or gastric ulcers and
gastric cancer.

6. Bones are porous or brittle

Toxins in cigarettes can cause bone fragility. Therefore, smokers are more at risk of developing
brittle bones or osteoporosis. Research also states that women who smoke are more prone to
osteoporosis than women who do not smoke.

7. premature aging
Signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, are at risk of appearing
earlier in active smokers. This is due to the lack of oxygen intake to the skin, so people who
smoke will look older than people who don't smoke.

8. Problems with reproductive organs

Smoking can interfere with the reproductive system and fertility. In men, smoking can cause
erectile dysfunction and reduce sperm production.

While in women, smoking can reduce fertility rates. In addition, the risk of cervical cancer is
higher because smoking reduces the body's natural ability to fight HPV infection.
9. Psychological disorders
In addition to physical illness, smoking can also cause psychological disorders, such as anxiety
disorders, insomnia, and depression. This effect can occur because the brain has been damaged
due to frequent exposure to toxic substances from cigarettes or because of suddenly quitting
smoking.

Smoking habits can interfere with health and reduce the quality of life for you and those around
you. So that the dangers of smoking do not come, you should not smoke or start trying to quit
smoking.

If you have difficulty quitting smoking or have experienced health problems due to the dangers
of smoking, such as frequent shortness of breath, cough that doesn't go away, coughing up blood,
or psychological disorders, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment