‘stop’, quit

smoking!!
 WHAT’S IN A cigarette?
Cigarettes contain high levels of tobacco that has over 4000 chemicals. These include:
• Tar - a dark brown or black viscous liquid of hydrocarbons and free carbon that forms when tobacco is burned
• it can damage the lungs by narrowing the small tubes that absorb oxygen and damaging the small hairs that
protect the lungs from dirt and infection. Tar is not a single substance but a mix of thousands of chemicals, many
of which are carcinogenic (cancer-causing).
• Nicotine - an addictive drug (stimulant) that speeds up the nervous system, makes the heart beat faster, narrows
blood vessels
• Carbon Monoxide - a very poisonous gas that prevents the
blood vessels from carrying as much oxygen as they can
and stops the lungs from working properly
What makes it so addictive?
Smoking is addictive because
Nicotine releases a chemical called dopamine in the same regions of the brain as other addictive drugs
mood-altering changes. The action
of inhaling and exhaling the cigarette is also addictive.
when a person stops smoking tobacco, the nicotine levels in the brain drop; This change triggers processes that
contribute to the cycle of cravings and urges that maintain addiction. This drop in nicotine levels leads to
withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability,
anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and intense cravings,
making it challenging to quit.
Over time, the brain adapts to the constant
presence of nicotine by increasing the number of
nicotine receptors, which intensifies dependence.
 The effects of tobacco
Firstly, Smoking can lead to fertility issues for both you and your partner.
Women who smoke often experience greater difficulty conceiving compared to non-smokers.
In men, smoking can harm sperm quality and may lead to erectile dysfunction (ED), both of which can make it
more challenging to father a child when the couple decides to start a family.
it doubles the risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery.
This can put both the mother and the baby in danger.

It can also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS),
also known as "cot death" as well as the risk of stillbirth and a
premature baby. Additionally, smoking during pregnancy can harm the
baby’s development by reducing the oxygen and nutrients delivered to
the fetus through the placenta.
effects of tobacco on foetal development
Smoking raises your baby’s risk for birth defects, including cleft lip, cleft palate or both. A cleft is an
opening in your baby’s lip or in the roof of her mouth (palate).
They can have trouble eating properly and is likely to need surgery.
Premature babies may face a range of challenges, including low birth weight, feeding difficulties, and
immediate breathing problems, which can sometimes persist into childhood.
They are at higher risk for cerebral palsy, developmental delays affecting language, movement or thinking
skills, as well as hearing and vision issues.
 Diseases caused by Smoking
coronary heart disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Smoking harms the heart and blood vessels, restricting blood Smoking is the main cause of COPD. The harmful chemicals in
flow to the heart and raising the risk of heart attack. It cigarette smoke damage the lining of the lungs and airways. The
accelerates the clogging and narrowing of coronary arteries. more you smoke and the longer you smoke, the greater your risk
A myocardial infarction (heart attack) occurs when blood flow of developing COPD. COPD is a group of diseases that includes
to the heart is blocked, often due to a blood clot. emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Rheumatoid arthritis
RA is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints and other tissues and organs.
Smoking is linked to more severe rheumatoid arthritis, including increased disease activity, greater joint
damage that can result in deformities, loss of function, and complications beyond the joints.
These complications may include rheumatoid nodules, blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) and rheumatoid
lung disease.
 Lungs after Smoking
Immediate Effects:
• Smoking introduces irritants that can cause
inflammation and swelling of the airways.
• The cilia, that help clear out mucus and debris,
are damaged, making it harder for the lungs to
expel toxins.
• Smoke causes narrowing of the airways,
reducing the ability of the lungs to exchange
oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently.
• Excess mucus is produced which can clog
 What is passive smoking?
Passive smoking (or second hand smoking) is
inhaling smoke from another person’s
cigarettes or vapes. Children are
unfortunately more susceptible to passive
smoking. Passive smoking causes the risk of
lung cancer by about 20-30%. and illnesses
like asthma are common to occur. Many
countries have introduced smoke-free laws
for public and enclosed spaces to help avoid
passive smoking.