The effects of smoking can lead to health problems and death
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Effects of Smoking

Prevent the early onset of debilitating diseases and premature death from a smoking habit. Knowing the effects of smoking will help you make informed decisions and take action to kick the habit.

wiredhealthconference.com gathered essential information about how smoking adversely affects your overall health and can lead to catastrophic results in the long term.

How Addictive is Smoking

Smoking affects every part of the body

Nicotine releases dopamine in the same regions of the brain as other addictive substances. It causes nearly immediate mood alterations that make the person temporarily feel good. Inhaled smoke delivers nicotine to the brain within seconds, which makes it very addictive. This addiction is comparable to that of opioids, alcohol, and cocaine.

Common Effects of Smoking

Cancer – Smoking causes or significantly contributes to most types of lung cancer. It can cause cancerous cells to develop almost anywhere on or in the body. This includes the following:

  • Skin
  • Lips
  • Mouth
  • Nose
  • Esophagus
  • Stomach
  • Throat (Tongue, Soft Palate, and Tonsils)
  • Voice Box
  • Liver
  • Kidney
  • Pancreas
  • Bladder
  • Bone
  • Blood
  • Cervix
  • Vulva
  • Colon
  • Penis
  • Anus

Chronic Respiratory Conditions – Smoking is the principal cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a severe, progressive, and disabling condition that restricts airflow in the lungs. Smoking also worsens asthma symptoms and is associated with an increased occurrence of asthma in both adolescents and adults.

Infections – Smoking severely debilitates the immune system, so you will be more likely to contract bacterial and viral infections.

Dental Problems – Smoking significantly increase the risk of gum diseases, tooth decay, tooth loss, and tooth sensitivity. Once a person has gum damage, smoking makes it more challenging for their gums to heal.

Heart Disease, Stroke, and Impaired Blood Circulation – Smoking is a significant cause of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, which block blood flow to the heart, brain, lungs, or legs. Some smokers end up having their limbs amputated due to reduced blood circulation caused by smoking.

Hearing Loss – Smoking restricts blood flow to the inner ear. Smokers may also lose their hearing earlier in life than a non-smoker.

Vision Loss – Smoking significantly damages the eyes and can quickly lead to macular degeneration.

Osteoporosis and Menopause – Smoking is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis and, in women, may result in the early onset of menopause as compared to a non-smoker.

Fertility Problems – Smoking can make it more challenging to impregnate or get pregnant and severely affect sperm quality. For pregnant women, smoking can adversely affect a baby’s health before and after birth.

Smoking and Death

The effects of smoking are far reaching and can cause multiple diseases and organ failure

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Smoking causes more deaths each year than the following causes combined:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Illegal drug use/abuse
  • Alcohol use/abuse
  • Motor vehicle fatalities
  • Firearm-related incidents

Smoking causes about 90% (or 9 out of 10) of all lung cancer deaths, and more women die from lung cancer each year than from breast cancer.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of death from all potential causes in both men and women. The risk of dying from cigarette smoking has increased dramatically over the last 50 years in the U.S.

Smoking Addiction

Smoking cigarettes or using any other tobacco product can cause a nearly immediate nicotine addiction. Nicotine is highly addictive, so even infrequent or occasional use can lead to complete dependence. It is also possible for smoking cessation products, like nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches, to cause nicotine addiction. However, this risk is significantly lower.

Note: Within seconds of your first drag, the toxic chemical components in tobacco smoke reach your brain, heart, and other organs. Smoking harms nearly every part of your body and significantly increases your risk of numerous diseases. Smoking also affects your appearance, state of mind, your finances, and your loved ones.

Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions people can take to improve their health. This is true regardless of their age or how long they have been smoking. Visit any one of the following for guidance and encouragement:

  • cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/index.html
  • mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/in-depth/nicotine-craving/art-20045454
  • samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
  • smokefree.gov

Note: As with quitting any other addiction, you will experience good and difficult times. During those difficult times, it is imperative that you reach out to someone who understands your difficulties and will help you see them through.

Side Effects of a Smoking Habit

In this article, you discovered the effects and severe health risks that a smoking habit represents and essential resources to help you stop.

Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term health benefits that will help you combat the early onset of chronic diseases while significantly extending your lifespan.

Ignoring the need to stop smoking can exacerbate the formation of cancerous cells anywhere in the body, cause heart disease, heart failure, result in a stroke, cause chronic hypertension, or end in a fatal heart attack.

Sources:
health.gov.au/health-topics/smoking-and-tobacco/about-smoking-and-tobacco/what-are-the-effects-of-smoking-and-tobacco
cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm
lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/smoking
health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/light-and-social-smoking-carry-cardiovascular-risks
mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/nicotine-research-program/about-nicotine-dependence/tobacco-related-diseases

Prostate cancer cells divide and spread quickly
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What are the 5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

Avoid developing an often treatable life-threatening cancer diagnosis. Knowing the warning signs of prostate cancer will help you seek medical attention before it further develops and spreads to other areas in your body.

wiredhealthconference.com gathered essential information about prostate cancer and 5 of the most common prostate cancer warning signs, how they are commonly mistaken, and what to do about them.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly occurring types of cancer in men. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause significant harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment at all, other variations are extremely aggressive and can spread quickly.

The prostate is the walnut-sized gland found only in men, located under the bladder and in front of the rectum, and surrounding the urethra (the tube-like pathway that carries urine out of the bladder). The prostate produces and stores the essential fluid that helps to make and nourish semen.

When prostate cancer is detected early (while still confined to the prostate gland), the individual will have the optimal chance for successful treatment. The following are five warning signs that the prostate has developed cancer:

1. Painful Urination or Ejaculation

Multiple reasons can result in discomfort or pain when urinating or ejaculating. These can include:

  • Prostatitis – This condition causes swelling and inflammation of the prostate. This swelling often results from a prostate infection. Prostatitis can also be caused by other issues, like nerve damage or a urinary tract infection (UTI) that damages the prostate.
  • Diabetes – Men with diabetes may suffer nerve damage that results in prostatitis.
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – This is a condition that causes an enlarged prostate and may also affect ejaculation. Men with BPH may also suffer painful or difficult urination or frequent urges to urinate.
  • Medication
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Note: Multiple nerves and tissues collaborate in both ejaculation and urination. For this, any conditions, injuries, or procedures that affect or disturb this area of the body could result in painful ejaculation and urination.

Tip: Men who experience painful ejaculations should see a specialist in genitourinary health or ejaculation dysfunction. Early treatment can prevent underlying conditions from getting worse.

2. Blood in the Urine or Semen

For most men, this is an alarming symptom that vividly indicates that something has gone awry. Blood in the semen (also called hematospermia) or urine (hematuria) can be caused by recent urinary treatment, injury to the testicles or other areas of the reproductive system, or an obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Seek medical assistance if you:

  • Have a history of cancer, bleeding disorders, or genital or urinary system malformation
  • Are at risk for sexually transmitted infections
  • Are 40 or older
  • Experience symptoms longer than two to three weeks
  • Develop recurring symptoms
  • Find urination painful

Note: Blood in urine or semen can be caused by occurrences that aren’t due to an underlying disease.

3. Sudden Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) usually develops with time, often due to circulatory or nervous system problems. But, it can occur unexpectedly and suddenly. Sudden erectile dysfunction will typically suggest a psychological barrier or that a medication is causing the issue. Sudden ED is also referred to as sudden impotence.

See your primary care physician for recommendations and referrals. If you are already treating conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or other known health condition, consider that these may be linked to your erectile dysfunction.

4. Bone Pain

Bone pain is less commonly occurring than joint or muscle pain. The source of bone pain may be clear, like emanating from a fracture. However, other less conspicuous causes, like cancer spreading or metastasizing to the bone, may be less obvious and more easily dismissed.

Note: Bone pain usually feels deeper, sharper, and more intense than muscle pain. Muscle pain also feels more generalized throughout the body.

5. Frequent Urination

Prostate cancer may result in frequent urination

Frequent urination (especially at night) can be a symptom of many different conditions like kidney disease or simply drinking excessive fluids. When frequent urination is accompanied by fever, pain, or discomfort in the abdomen, you may have a urinary tract infection.

You should consult your doctor if you are urinating more frequently than usual and if:

  • There’s no apparent cause, like drinking more total fluids, alcohol, or caffeine
  • The problem interrupts your sleep or daily activities
  • You have other urinary problems or troubling symptoms

Note: When taking diuretics for hypertension, heart failure, or other conditions, you will find yourself urinating more frequently. Contact your primary care physician for advice if this reaches a severely disruptive state.

Noncancerous Symptoms

The symptoms addressed in this article are or can be present in many men who do not have cancer. It is always recommended to discuss all symptoms and concerns with a doctor before jumping to conclusions.

Can prostate cancer be prevented?

Not yet. As of the time of this publication, there are no clear or definitive prevention strategies for prostate cancer.

There is some conflicting evidence that a healthy, low-fat diet high in vegetables and fruits may help reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. Routine screening, with PSA blood testing and physical exams, is crucial for detecting prostate cancer at an early stage.

Note: A healthy diet and regular exercise are critical components in maintaining good health and preventing disease in general.

Signs of Prostate Cancer

In this article, you discovered vital information about the definition of prostate cancer, 5 of the most typical warning signs, and what those symptoms may alternatively represent.

By paying attention to and acting on irregularities in bodily function, you are positioning yourself for the early diagnosis of potentially life-threatening conditions.

Ignoring signs of prostate cancer can lead to withering health and potentially cause hospitalization or death.

Sources:
clevelandurology.net/posts/news/do-you-know-the-five-warning-signs-of-prostate-cancer/
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
uclahealth.org/urology/prostate-cancer/what-is-prostate-cancer
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003180.htm