But what if that fleeting moment has consequences that last a lifetime? Dive with us into the intricate world of smoking and its undeniable link to lung cancer, and discover what really happens with each puff. THE CHEMICAL COCKTAIL IN EVERY DRAG Each puff from a cigarette exposes your lungs to a dangerous mix of over 7,000 chemicals. Among them, at least 70 are proven carcinogens. With time, these chemicals continuously attack your lung cells. As these cells attempt to repair themselves, imperfections can arise, leading to mutations that pave the way for cancer. Lungs: The lungs, being the primary recipients of cigarette smoke, endure constant aggression from chemicals like tar and nicotine. This results in inflammation, an increase in mucus production, and damage to the cilia (minute hair-like structures that cleanse the lungs). Chronic exposure can lead to conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other respiratory ailments. Heart, Brain Blood Vessels: Smoking heightens the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque accumulates in the arteries, constricting them and impeding blood flow. This can culminate in heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. Moreover, diminished blood flow can also impact the brain, elevating the risk of strokes that can result in brain damage or even death. Mouth and Throat: Smoking can precipitate gum disease, tooth loss, and cancers of the mouth, throat, and oesophagus. Regular dental check-ups can aid in the early detection of oral complications stemming from smoking. Skin: The nicotine in cigarettes narrows blood vessels in the skin’s outer layers, restricting blood flow and leading to a pallid and uneven complexion. This diminished blood flow deprives the skin of essential oxygen and nutrients, accelerating aging and wrinkle formation. Bones: Smoking compromises bone health, reducing bone density and heightening the risk of fractures. Eyes: Smokers face an elevated risk of conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, both of which can result in blindness.
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