Quitting smoking is not an easy task. It requires willpower, commitment, and hard work. Many people do successfully quit smoking every year. Data from the World Health Organisation has shown that annually up to four million deaths are caused by smoking, and around ten per cent of adults globally are affected by smoking related diseases.

When we understand the reality of the health problems that come with smoking it can help us to take steps to kick the habit. The good news is that millions of people do mange to quit smoking every year. More than half the number of people that smoke are able to give up in the long run.

With every puff of a cigarette you inhale numerous deadly chemicals. All smokers are aware of nicotine; it is the substance that makes cigarettes and tobacco smoking addictive. But how does it work? The moment you take a drag on a cigarette, nicotine is absorbed in to your bloodstream and races towards the brain. Within a few seconds your brain will release a chemical known as dopamine. It is dopamine that gives you the pleasurable feeling. But when you don’t have a cigarette your dopamine levels drop drastically giving you that craving that can cause irritation.

Tar is another poison that is present in tobacco smoke. It can cause cancer as it contains carcinogenic chemicals. Another toxin that is present is carbon monoxide. This compound attaches itself to red blood cells which lower their capacity to carry oxygen around the body. There are many other toxic substances also present in cigarette smoke. These can cause thickening of the blood and clotting in the arteries.

Due to public health campaigns and warnings that come with all tobacco products, every smoker is aware of the risks to a certain degree. On average a person that smokes their whole life will live ten years less than an average non-smoker. The number of ailments that are caused by smoking are vast. Lung cancer is just one form of cancer that has been shown to be caused through the consumption of cigarettes, other forms include: stomach, kidney, pancreas, throat, bladder, and also a type of leukemia.

Smoking is also known to cause damage to the lungs. Both pneumonia and COPD can occur in smokers. These are very painful and debilitating sicknesses caused by an inflammation to the respiratory system. Heart disease is also more common in smokers due to the damage caused to their arteries. Other illnesses that are linked to smoking are osteoporosis, angina, infertility, and impotence.

As you can see, stopping smoking can only be a positive step in your life. The earlier you quit the greater chance your body has of recovering. There are various methods and treatments available to people that want to quit.

Your first point of call should be your family doctor. They can offer you advice and medication that will lessen the withdrawal symptoms you are likely to experience. Possible treatments may include: nicotine replacement therapy (which comes in various forms), bupropion (a tablet), varenicline (also a tablet).

If you are serious about quitting smoking, then you can achieve your wish. There is plenty of help out there from people who understand exactly how you feel.

Quitting now can boost your immune system and cure breathing problems.

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 7:32 am and is filed under Cancer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.