The vital information that people don’t know about the effects of tobacco consumption could fill a book. We all know the basic stuff like it contains nicotine which affects both the active and the passive smoker and that it can have detrimental effects on our lungs. Well, tobacco is a much more dangerous substance containing formaldehyde, benzene, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide and 4000 other toxic chemicals. These chemicals attack the lungs and cause severe cases of pneumonia and cancer then they head to the respiratory system and other body organs which include;
The Kidneys
There is an association between tobacco and renal cell carcinoma, a type of cancer affecting the bladder and kidney. It also accelerates kidney damage associated with diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
The Fallopian Tubes
A study has shown that a breakdown product of nicotine, cotinine, increases the levels of the protein PROKR1. This protein, in high concentrations, obstructs contraction of the fallopian tube walls thus hindering the transfer of the egg to the uterus for implantation. Therefore, the egg attaches itself to the walls of the fallopian tube leading to ectopic pregnancy, one of the major death causes for women during their first trimester
The Cervix
Worldwide, cervical cancer is 3rd in position among the most common cancers in females. Women with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) stand a higher chance of acquiring cancer and therefore they are advised to avoid tobacco since it is a cofactor. Increased smoking, even passively, increases the likelihood of getting cervical cancer.
The Uterus
Heavy smoking by women leads to lower receptiveness level of the uterus for implantation. This is because nicotine diminishes estrogen levels and increases male testosterone hormones causing irregular menstrual cycles.
The Heart
Smoking is responsible for a third of all deaths associated with cardiovascular disease. Tobacco causes narrowing of blood vessels leading to a restriction of blood flow to the heart and other body parts.
The Scrotum
Smoking lowers the sperm count and fertilizing ability in smokers since tobacco affects the Leydig cells responsible for the production of the testosterone hormone.
The Penis
Nitric oxide in the body is responsible for muscle relaxation that facilitates blood flow to the penis causing an erection. Tobacco consumption impedes the production of nitric oxide making erections quite challenging to achieve.
The Skin
Premature skin aging, acne, delayed wound healing, and skin disorders like cutaneous lupus and psoriasis are some of the skin conditions associated with tobacco smoking or chewing. Tobacco inhibits the adequate supply of oxygen to the skin and prompts the production of the MMP-1 enzyme that damages collagen. Collagen is responsible for the tight, even and moisturized skin.
The Esophagus
Smokers often complain of heartburn which is caused by weakening of the sphincter muscle; this muscle is responsible for preventing food from flowing back into the esophagus. They experience constant heartburns because smoking weakens the muscles holding back the stomach contents
The eyes
Clouding of the eye’s lens also known as cataract formation is more likely to affect tobacco users as compared to those who don’t use. The risk goes up as the consumption increases. The smoke that is emitted from the tobacco also irritates the eyes creating that red eye color that is always associated with smokers.
Tobacco consumption generally affects every single organ in our body in adverse ways. It is advisable for smokers to quit and try to live much more positive, healthy and fulfilling lives. They can do this by seeking professional help and with the help and support of family.
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