The Consequences of Smoking and How You Can Stop

Smoking is on the decline, with fewer people smoking today than even five or ten years ago. But plenty of adults do still smoke cigarettes and other tobacco products, with around 30.8 million adults in the USA who smoke. Most people are by now very aware of and accepting of the damage that smoking can do, but not everyone is willing or capable of quitting if they're already a smoker. Nicotine is highly addictive and giving it up is often a huge challenge. However, knowing the consequences of being a long-term smoker can help to convince people to quit, or perhaps to avoid smoking in the first place.

It's always a good idea to remind yourself of just what smoking can do to your body, and how you can find support if you want to quit. Here are some of the problems you could face, how they are treated, and how you could prevent them by quitting.

Lung Cancer

The majority of lung cancer cases occur in people who smoke. The toxic substances in cigarettes and other tobacco products damage the lungs and can eventually lead to cancer, usually in older people who have smoked for a long time. The symptoms of lung cancer can include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, breathlessness, and unexplained tiredness or weight loss. These symptoms often don't appear until the cancer has spread, which means that lung cancer is more likely to be fatal compared to some other cancers.

Treatment for lung cancer can include a number of different options. Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are some treatments that might be used, depending on the stage the cancer has reached and the response to different treatments. Lung transplants are sometimes used for lung cancer patients, although it is much less common. Some of the times when it might be considered include in patients who have early-stage lung cancer that has not responded to other treatments or patients who have lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma, which usually stays in one lung.

Other Types of Cancer

Other types of cancer can also form as a consequence of smoking. Cancer might occur in various parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, larynx (voicebox), esophagus, bowel, stomach, liver, and more. The process for diagnosing and treating these cancers varies, with some of them difficult to diagnose until they have progressed quite far. Being aware of these different cancers and the symptoms that they can cause is important if you're a smoker. It also makes it more important to attend various cancer screenings, especially as you get older.

Other Lung Conditions

Smoking damages your lungs and can cause a number of other health problems, apart from lung cancer. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the conditions that many smokers develop. It includes emphysema, which is damage to the air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis, which is inflammation of the airways. Pneumonia is also a health problem that a lot of people who smoke can experience. Even smokers who don't have these conditions can have problems with persistent coughs or breathing difficulties. Smoking can also exacerbate certain conditions, such as asthma or even colds.

Damage to Your Heart and Circulation

Your heart and blood circulation can be damaged by smoking. There are a number of conditions that this could cause, including coronary heart disease, stroke, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Some of these health conditions might leave you managing them with medication and other treatments for a long time. Other problems such as heart attacks and strokes can't be predicted easily and could take you by surprise. Getting emergency treatment as soon as possible is crucial when these things occur to prevent death and help minimize the damage.

Fertility Issues

Smoking can cause fertility issues for both men and women, making it more difficult to have children. In men, it can also lead to impotence because the blood supply to the penis is reduced. Treatments are available for both of these problems, but there is no guarantee that they will provide the desired results.

How to Stop Smoking

With all of these potential health problems in mind, quitting smoking may become a priority for you. Many people realize that smoking is damaging their bodies and might even promise themselves that they will give it up, but actually following through on the promise isn't easy. Nicotine is a very addictive substance, so no longer using it can be very hard. But there are lots of things you can do if you want to stop smoking.

There are multiple methods, resources, and aids that you can make use of if you want to quit smoking. Some people decide to give up cold turkey, but others make use of various nicotine products, such as gum, patches, or even vaping liquids. These products can help you to deal with the nicotine addiction while ensuring you are no longer smoking tobacco. Eventually, you can wean yourself off the nicotine products that you are using too.

People often employ other methods to help them quit smoking too. Having support to help you quit can make it easier, and there are several ways to get it. Support groups can be useful, including both online and offline groups. Quitting with someone else, such as a friend or relative, is also a good way to encourage and motivate each other. Some people find that it's helpful to find things that keep their hands or mouth busy, whether it's playing with a fidget spinner or chewing gum. 

You might also consider using some alternative methods of quitting. Some people use hypnosis, for example, and find that it can help them to achieve their goals. There are plenty of resources out there to help you learn about the different ways you can quit and what sort of tools and strategies might help you. It's important to find a good reason to quit that means something to you and supportive methods and resources that work for you.