Killers In Packs: The Hunt For the Young and Old

The environment feeds the mind, but I hope you will get strong words that will shield you just like my mom’s words did.

Growing up, there was a kiosk in my area where many people from neighbouring streets came to drink beer, smoke cigarettes, and so on. When I was a little lad, I frequently pondered the nature of the tiny stick that, when ignited, caused smoke to escape from the mouth and, in some cases, the ears and nose. 

Out of curiosity, on a Monday morning, I asked my mum, ‘What is that little stick people put in their mouth, and is it okay to put it in my mouth as well? ‘It’s called a cigarette, she said and smiled. She promised to give a more detailed answer to my question when she returned from work. 

Later that day, she called me, gave me an empty pack of cigarettes, and told me to read what was written on it aloud. I replied, “Smokers are liable to die young.” She further informed me that both active and passive smokers are at risk. 

Though I didn’t understand fully what active and passive meant, I understood the meaning of “Die young,” so I did not ask any further questions.

The Consequences of Ignoring the Warnings on Cigarette Packs

The true cost of smoking is not as low as you may think, whether as an active or passive smoker. Active smokers take cigarettes, while passive smokers live around or stay around the active smokers, inhaling the toxic air. 

The cigarette is simply a more pleasing way of packaging tobacco. And Tobacco products contain various chemicals, ranging from acetone and tar to nicotine and carbon monoxide, which are unsafe. Often, people want to know how much nicotine is in a cigarette, but the effect is what should be known. The nicotine component of cigarettes uniquely affects the body — altering mood. It reaches the brain in a few seconds, causing a sensational feeling of energy that wears off and, in turn, makes you feel tired and brings about a craving for more. But, the more you take it, the more it affects the following organs in the body. 

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of lung infection, accompanied by coughing and wheezing. 

There are two special cells in the lungs known as “Clara cells,” with (cilia) that clean the lung passageways and the goblet cell, which produces mucus. These two cells are attacked by the components of cigarettes, which cause Clara cell destruction. On the other hand, the goblet cells continue to produce mucus in the absence of Clara cells, which should clear the lung passages. As a result, there is an excess accumulation of mucus in the lung passages; hence, sputum is always mostly present in smokers’ coughs.

Have you ever wondered why it is commonly said that a smoker’s lungs appear dark? The reason is not far-fetched. When a puff of cigarette smoke is inhaled, the body is alerted that toxic particles have invaded. Specific cells with inflammatory functions rush to the scene. A modified white blood cell called a macrophage essentially “eats” the nasty brown-black particles in cigarette smoke in a process called phagocytosis. These particles could damage macrophages. So, they are separated into tiny vesicles and stored as toxic waste. Because macrophages become stuck, they build up in the lungs and lymph nodes right within the chest, so the lungs appear darker.

Carbon monoxide (CO) inhaled from the smoke deprives the body of oxygen, causing the heart to work more. As a result, a significant increase in blood pressure predisposes the heart to stress, weakening it. And a weakened heart is susceptible to various heart diseases, including heart attacks.

Smoking can also cause a rise in cholesterol and other not beneficial fats in the blood, which can build up in the artery walls, restricting blood flow to the brain, heart, and legs. In extreme conditions, the tissues of the legs, having been deprived of oxygen, can die, resulting in the amputation of the leg. 

• Smoking can threaten your eyesight by putting you at risk of developing eye complications such as cataracts, which, if not properly checked, can lead to blindness. Nicotine from cigarettes can also restrict the production of a chemical necessary for night vision. 

• Smoking takes a toll on the mouth as well. Smokers are more susceptible to oral health problems, like mouth sores, ulcers, etc. Cavities and loss of teeth at a younger age can also happen.

• Smoking can also cause the skin to become dry and brittle, resulting in wrinkles.

• Smokers tend to have weaker muscular tones and bigger bellies than nonsmokers. They have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can be harder to control once you already have it. Diabetes is a severe disease that can lead to blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, etc.

Tobacco is responsible for one-third of all cancer fatalities. Each puff of a cigarette causes damage to your DNA, which contains instructions for cell growth and function. The body tries to repair the damage smoking does to your DNA, but smoking can wear down this repair system over time and lead to cancer (like lung cancer).

In females, Estrogen, a very significant hormone, can be lowered by smoking, which causes dry skin, thinning hair, and sometimes memory problems. Women who smoke can also have a more challenging time getting pregnant and having healthy babies.

Final Thoughts: Time to Quit

The Grim Reality of Smoking made me realize why “Smokers are liable to die young” is imprinted on cigarette packs. The above adverse effects of smoking should be enough to make you realize why quitting is the safest option. It is difficult to break the habit, but it is possible. 

Make an intentional stance to quit smoking today. Speak to someone who will understand you and not criticize you, but try to make sure you win the battle by quitting for good. Don’t worry; you are strong enough to pull it off.

Reach out to us today @friendlyhealth, and you can be assured that we are always ready to listen to you and help however we can.