Health Side Effects of Smoking

Smoking even a few sticks of cigarettes a day is linked to many serious side effects. Some of which are fatal not only to the smokers but also to people around them. According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking is responsible for about 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. It is also responsible for the majority of the deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In asthmatic people, smoking has been associated with the effect of reducing the person’s ability to control their asthmatic reaction, leading to a reduced reaction to medication and failing of the lung function. These are just but a few of the health side effects of smoking. In this article, we will cover the various health side effects of smoking.

1. Effect of smoking on male fertility

Smoking affects the man’s fertility. Heavy smoking is often cited as the major contributor to erectile dysfunction because it reduces the rate of blood flowing to the penis. Smoking also impairs sperm motility, reduces its lifespan and may lead to a genetic disorder that can affect the man’s offspring. Studies have indicated that men who smoke have lower sex drives.

2. Health risks on bone and joints

Cigarette smoking has many health risks on bones and joints. They include

• Development of degenerative disorders and spine injuries.
• It is also known that smokers experience trouble recovering from surgeries.
• It slows the process of calcium addition to bones leading loss of bone density and osteoporosis.
• Smoking women also are at high risk for hip fracture.

3. Health side effects of smoking on females

Smoking is linked to many reproductive problems. It may also affect the health of the baby in pregnant women. The negative side effects of smoking on women include a risk of infertility, earlier menopause, and pregnancy complications that are directly associated with a number of cigarettes smoked.

Pregnancy complications associated with smoking include high chances of miscarriage, premature rupture of membrane, problems with the placenta, and premature delivery. It also affects the unborn child by increasing the risk for low birth weight. Smoking during pregnancy lowers the levels of folate, a B vitamin that is vital for preventing child birth defects.

Women who smoke during pregnancy also increase the risk of having kids with obesity and diabetes. The good news is that if you stop smoking before conceiving, or during the first trimester reduces the risk of getting children with low birth weight.