Health Effects of Smoking

Smokers have a harder time healing from surgeries, and have more overall health issues than do nonsmokers. This results in more time away from work, and more doctor and hospital visits. Smoking compromises a person's health in so many ways. Smokers are more likely to be absent from work than nonsmokers, and their illnesses last longer. Smokers tend to incur more medical costs, to see physicians more often in the outpatient setting, and to be admitted to the hospital more often and for longer periods than nonsmokers. Smokers have a lower survival rate after surgery compared to that of nonsmokers because of damage to the body's host defenses, delayed wound healing, and reduced immune response. Smokers are at greater risk for complications following surgery, including wound infections, postoperative pneumonia, and other respiratory complications. Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can result in the loss of teeth and bone loss. Smoking is causally related to periodontitis. This may be because smoking affects the body's ability to fight infection and repair tissue. Peptic ulcers, which are located in the digestive tract (stomach and duodenum), usually occur in people with an infection caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Among persons with this infection, smokers are more likely to develop peptic ulcers than nonsmokers. In severe cases, peptic ulcers can lead to death. Although only a small number of studies have looked at the relationship between smoking and erectile dysfunction, their findings suggest that smoking may be associated with an increased risk for this condition. More studies are needed, however, before researchers can conclude that smoking is causally related to erectile dysfunction.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2004. if(zSbL

View the original article here

Health Improvements Continue..

Between 1 to 9 months smoke-free:

Starting as early as a month after you quit smoking, and continuing for the next several months, you may notice significant improvements in these areas: coughing sinus congestion fatigue shortness of breathIt's important to remember that healing from nicotine addiction is a process, and while some improvements are dramatic and happen quickly, others will come more gradually. My own sense of smell took a huge jump in sensitivity 8 months after I quit smoking. It was a surprise to me, and it reinforced the truth of the gradual nature of recovery from this addiction.

And the changes don't stop with improvements to physical health, either. Your confidence will soar as you accumulate more smoke-free time. Breaking the chains of slavery to nicotine addiction is nothing short of empowering. 6 Months Smoke Free!
For a shot of inspiration, read these personal accounts from forum members here at About.com Smoking Cessation.The Benefits of Smoking Cessation
We all expect our physical health to improve when we quit smoking, but that is just the beginning of the journey that smoking cessation takes us on ...For all of the work it takes to shed the addiction to nicotine, the incredible feelings of freedom and control you'll be rewarded with when you quit smoking are just the beginning of the benefits headed your way.

Smoking cessation will change your life!

Quit Smoking Benefits: 1 to 2 Years

Start the quit process now with a free quit smoking e-course.

Source:

2004 Surgeon General's Report: Poster: Within 20 Minutes of Quitting 27 May 2004. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View the original article here