Don't be trivial! Know the Myriad Dangers of Smoking for Health

Smoking is a very common and widespread habit in society. Even though it has been proven to cause various pathological conditions, systemically and locally, the smoking habit is very difficult to get rid of. There are 4000 types of chemical substances, 40 types of which are carcinogenic, including acetone, nicotine, tar and polonium which contain substances that trigger cancer. In addition, nicotine can be addictive, both in active smokers and passive smokers. Active and passive smokers are at risk of coughing with shortness of breath 6 times compared to non-smokers.

Nicotine is an alkaloid which is a stimulant and toxic at high doses. This substance only exists in tobacco, is highly addictive, and affects the brain/nervous system. In the long term, nicotine will suppress the brain's ability to experience pleasure, so smokers will always need higher levels of nicotine to reach their level of satisfaction and addiction. Smoking activity can damage health and for those who smoke cigarettes (passive smokers) have the same risk of developing the disease.

Some dangerous diseases caused by smoking:

1. Lung Disease

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), COPD is a lung disease that can cause long-term or chronic and irreversible obstructions in the respiratory tract, which cannot return to normal.
• Bronchitis, bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi or airways from outside to the lungs where the bronchi become thick due to excessive mucus so that the patient becomes uncomfortable, short of breath, and coughs.
• Lung cancer, lung cancer is a carcinogenic effect, long-term effects of smoking. In passive smokers 70% to 80% confirmed cancer. Lung cancer is a malignancy where the prognosis or future tends to be bleak and if it is affected but within 6 months it is not treated immediately it can cause death.

2. Stomach Disease

The thing that looks trivial when smoking a cigarette is that the activity of the muscles under the esophagus increases. The muscles around the lower respiratory tract will slowly weaken so that the digestive process becomes obstructed. The dangers of smoking for health can also be felt up to the stomach, because cigarette smoke that enters the digestive system will cause an increase in stomach acid. If this is allowed to continue, it is not impossible that it will become a more chronic disease such as peptic ulcers which are more difficult to treat

3. Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease
In active smokers may suffer a stroke, because the side effects of smoking can cause weakening of blood vessels. When this weakness occurs and the work of blood vessels is obstructed it can cause an attack of inflammation in the brain. That's what can be at risk of having a stroke even though the person doesn't have a background of high blood pressure or other stroke-causing diseases. The cause of the stroke comes from harmful chemical compounds such as nicotine, carbon monoxide and oxidant gases contained in cigarettes. Smoking habits also make Sahabat Hermina susceptible to coronary heart disease. This happens because smoking can cause thickening of the artery walls. As a result, the size of the arteries narrows and the flow of blood and oxygen supply to the heart becomes obstructed.

4. Problems in the Reproductive Organs
Another harmful effect of smoking on health is that it can lead to impotence, cases like this have been experienced by many smokers. Because the content of chemicals that are toxic can reduce sperm production in men. Not only that, in men can also occur cancer in the testicles. Meanwhile, in women who smoke, the effects of smoking can also reduce the fertility rate of women.

5. Psychological disorder
In addition to physical ailments, smoking can also cause psychological disorders, such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and depression. This effect can occur because the brain has been damaged by frequent exposure to toxic substances from cigarettes.

The habit of smoking can interfere with health and reduce the quality of life of Hermina Friends and those around them. In order not to approach the dangers of smoking, you should not smoke or start trying to quit smoking. If Hermina's friends have difficulty stopping smoking or have experienced health problems due to the dangers of smoking, for example frequent shortness of breath, persistent cough, bloody cough, or other health problems, you should consult a doctor at Hermina Pandanaran Hospital to get proper treatment.