Monday 3 May 2010

Evaluate the effects of smoking on body systems.


Nicotine is not carcinogenic but is toxic and in high doses can be lethal. Damage caused to the body is :-
  • Lung diseases-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including corany heart disease, heart attacks and strokes are higher in smokers.
  • Nicotine causes constriction of blood vessels resulting in high blood pressure and raising the heart rate.
  • Smokers blood becomes thicker and stickier which puts extra stress on the heart and causes damage to the inside of blood vessels, which may lead to atheroma.
  • Poor circulation to the extremities (hands and feet) can cause neuropathy.
  • Smoking damages the mouth, teeth, gums and may cause ulcers of the digestive system.
  • Osteoporosis caused by leeching of calcium from the bones leaves smokers more prone to fractures and Avascular Necrosis.
  • Hydrogen cyanide damages the cilia in the respiratory tract and harmful chemicals can then collect in the lungs, stopping effective oxygenation of blood in the lungs.
  • Carbon oxide binds with haemoglobin before oxygen. So because less oxygen is carried in the blood, more stress is put on the heart to pump blood around the body faster to deliver much needed oxygen.
  • Tars can cause cancer of the throat and oesophagus .
  • It causes the stomach to increase its secretion of acid which can cause heartburn and stomach ulcers.
  • Bladder cancer can be caused by carcinogenic chemicals present in urine.
  • High blood pressure causes damage to kidneys.
  • Women's fertility can be lowered and an increase in cervical cancer.
  • Men may suffer a low sperm count , abnormal sperm, low sperm mobility and decreased sex hormones. Decreased circulation may cause impotence.
  • Immune system is impaired, making it harder for the body to fight infection.
  • Skin becomes dry causing premature ageing.
  • Miscarriage is more common in women who smoke.
  • Smoking while pregnant or around children increases the risk of low birth weight, premature births, cleft lip palate, infections and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Looking at the risks above the amount of health risks associated with smoking far outweighs the reasons not to quit.

Ref:- Image from www.topnews.in/health/files/smoking-cigarette.jpg

www.free-online-health.com/smoking-health.htm (accessed 03/05/2010)

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