With every puff of a cigarette, the smoker inhales numerous toxic products that attack the respiratory system. Smoking damages the airways and alveoli in our lungs.
This damage starts right at the beginning of the habit and lung function continues to worsen as long as the person smokes.
Even so, it can take years for the problem to become noticeable enough for a lung disease to be diagnosed.
Main consequences of smoking
People who smoke have a risk of dying from various serious diseases that is 2 to 3 times higher than that of people who have never smoked, and the average is 10 years less potential life expectancy.
Smoking affects the entire human organism, causing or aggravating the most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases, in particular cancer, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, as well as other harmful effects on sexual and reproductive health, eye health, oral health and skin ageing.
What are the symptoms of tobacco withdrawal?
When you stop smoking, it’s normal for them to appear:
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Feeling of sadness
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Irritability and nervousness,
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Difficulty concentrating,
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Feeling hungry
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Desire to smoke
Although these symptoms can be unpleasant, the lack of tobacco and the withdrawal symptoms are not dangerous to your health.
What are the benefits of quitting smoking?
Stopping smoking has immediate, medium and long-term benefits, not only for the person but also for those around them, for example:
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Reduced risk of lung cancer and many other types of cancer;
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Reduction of respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath;
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Reducing the risk of developing some lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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Reduced risk of infertility
Addiction is a disease and there is a cure
To stop smoking:
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Change your habits and avoid situations where you feel the urge to smoke;
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Try to delay your first cigarette in the morning;
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Increase the interval between cigarettes;
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Don’t smoke until the end.
When to quit smoking:
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Avoid being around people who smoke;
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Reduce your intake of coffee and alcohol until you don’t feel like smoking;
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Exercise;
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Eat a balanced and fractioned diet throughout the day to counteract the increased appetite that appears in the first few days without smoking.
Remember that you should always seek medical help to support and guide you throughout the process.
