Nose/Mouth/ThroatSmoking leads to chronic inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, which leads to chronic inflammation of the throat and pharynx and a swollen nose. When examining the mucous membrane of the throat microscopically in a smoker many changes can be observed in the composition, thickness and distribution of cells as well as a different type of mucosal tissue, which can be the precursor of a cancerous tumor. A number of other respiratory issues can be attributed to smoking:
- chronic coughing and phlegm
- chronic nose allergy
- bad taste in the mouth and bad breath
- teeth and gum diseases
- weakened mouth and throat membranes and increased gum bleeding
- Increased risk of continuous inflammation of the upper airway like the throat and pharynx
- mouth and throat cancer
- pharynx and vocal chords cancer
Lungs and Bronchi
Studies and extensive scientific research around the world have proven the direct link between smoking and lung cancer.
- It is scientifically proven that lung capacity decreases gradually with age, 20 to 30 ml a year in non-smokers. But this numbers double to 60 ml a year in smokers. It was found that when quitting smoking early on (before any severe damage cause to the lungs), the number decreases back to normal non-smoker levels
- Smoking causes chronic coughing and continuous secretion of phlegm, which some smokers might believe is normal. It is in fact a sign of the negative effects of smoking
- The phlegm might be clear in the beginning, but sometimes, especially during winter, the color might change to yellow or green or a dark color due to the microbes that grow in such an environment. Accumulation of phlegm which results from an excessive activity of the glands in the lining of the airways in the lungs helps the accumulation of dust, dirt and germs that therefore go up to the bronchi, hence the airway becomes narrow and breathing becomes labored
- Chronic smoking leads to “smoker’s asthma” or Chronic Obstructive Bronchitis which is one of the most damaging diseases on the body
- Smoking leads to loss in natural respiration and chronic swelling of the alveoli due to the continuous destruction of the alveoli walls which leads to the decrease in the ability to take oxygen from the air
- Smoking leads to continuous inconvenience of the filament membranes lining the airways (bronchi and lungs) causing weakness or lack of ability to get rid of the accumulated phlegm in the lungs and bronchi
- Black smoke (tar) precipitates on airway walls which lead to the damaging of the filaments that expel phlegm. These smoke spots increase the risk of bronchial cancer
- Smoking increases severe asthma attacks and not being able to control chronic asthma
- Smoking increases the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis
- Smoking increases the risk of lung and bronchial cancer. It was proven recently through studies that smoking not only causes cancer but increases the growth of cancer tumors that already exist and that help speed up their spread in the body. That explains why lung cancer in smokers is found in an advanced stage and so there is no chance of surgery, which is the first step to cure the disease
- Another factor that helps in having cancer tumors is the number of cigarettes as well as the duration of smoking. The longer the duration, the bigger the risk. Other factors are the amount of smoke inhaled, the length of the cigarette, number of harmful components and carcinogens, how long it stays in the mouth, smoking early in life and finally if there is no filter tip
