When we think of the dangers of smoking, an image is almost automatically imposed: that of lung cancer. And for good reason: this is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, largely associated with tobacco consumption. But stop there would be a serious mistake. In reality, tobacco is a time bomb for the whole human body, affecting almost all organs. Here are five major health problems related to smoking, which has nothing to do with the lungs … and that you may not even suspect.
Gum disease: when smoking makes you lose your teeth
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a serious inflammatory condition that can cause teeth if it is not treated. What we know less is that tobacco is one of the main risk factors for this pathology.
According to CDC (centers for the control and prevention of diseases), tobacco smoke promotes the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth and weakens the immune system in parallel. Result: the gums become more vulnerable, ignite, retract, and end up holding their teeth anymore. Bad breath, pain, bleeding … and in the long term, emotional.
Erectile dysfunction: when smoking cuts the desire … and the rest
It is a taboo subject, but very real. Smoking is a frequent cause of erection disorders, especially in young men. The culprit? The reduction of nitric oxide, an essential molecule for the dilation of the blood vessels of the penis.
Less nitric oxide = less muscle relaxation = less blood = difficult erection, if not impossible. And this phenomenon does not only concern big smokers. Even moderate consumption can alter the erectile function.
Good news, however: this effect is often reversible. Several studies suggest that a smoking stop can improve blood circulation and restore, at least partially, sexual functions.
Cancers, do you want it? Here it is.
No, lung cancer is only the tip of the iceberg. Tobacco is responsible for a long list of cancers, each more sly than the other: mouth, throat, stomach, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, esophagus, and even cervix.
The American Cancer Society estimates that smoking causes approximately 20 % of all cancers and 30 % of cancer deaths in the United States. The reason? The carcinogenic compounds contained in tobacco, whether smoked or minced, modify the DNA of cells and hamper repair mechanisms, thus promoting their transformation into tumor cells.
Credit: ISTOCK
CRIDDITS: EYEM MOBILE GMBH / ISSTOCK
Stroke: a risk tripled in smokers
We know little, but smoking is a major risk factor in stroke (stroke). It increases the risk of caullying, weakens the walls of blood vessels and promotes hypertension.
According to the Stroke Association, a smoker is three times more likely to make a stroke than a non-smoker. And that’s not all: even passive smoking increases the risk of stroke by 20 to 30 % in those exposed regularly to smoke.
Fertility at half mast: hidden damage of tobacco on reproduction
In women, smoking can lead to a decrease in fertility, early menopause, and increase the risk of miscarriage or extra-uterine pregnancy. In men, sperm is directly affected: lower concentration, reduced mobility, poorly trained sperm …
And no need to reassure yourself by thinking that “a few cigarettes” cannot do much: from five cigarettes per day, the negative effects on fertility can already be felt.
Good news to finish?
Yes. Many of these effects are partially, even completely reversible. The human body has a remarkable ability to repair itself once you get rid of nicotine and toxic substances contained in tobacco. And the sooner we stop, the more visible the benefits – sometimes in a few weeks.
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