It’s not just a problem for the lungs: cigarettes are also bad for the bones, heart, brain, skin and other organs.

Vaccine response may also decrease in smokers; find out why you should take advantage of National Anti-Smoking Day to kick the habit

When we think about the negative impacts of cigarette use, the first association we make is the lung damage caused by smoking. However, cigarette smoke contains a number of toxic substances that profoundly affect the functioning of various organs and systems of the body. Node National Anti-Smoking Dayfind out why you benefit from just giving up this addiction.

In an interview with Earth youthe orthopedic doctor specializing in the spine, Daniel Oliveirastates that cigarette use has a significant negative impact on spinal health, affecting both its structure and function.

“Tobacco contains nicotine, which causes vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to the intervertebral discs and vertebrae. This compromises the nutrition of these tissues, leading to disc degeneration, which can cause conditions such as herniated discs and chronic low back pain,” explains the specialist.

Smoking also impairs the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue. The intervertebral discs and other tissues of the spine require a good supply of blood and oxygen to regenerate. Hypoxia (lack of oxygen) caused by smoking impedes this repair process, accelerating degeneration.

Heart

Hospital Felício Rocho cardiologist Eliana Lopes says that smoking, through the absorption of nicotine and substances related to the production of cigarettes, can compromise vascular health, through tissue intoxication.

Nicotine can, in particular, damage the endothelium, causing fatty plaques to adhere to the vessel wall, causing obstruction and increased vascular resistance. These two changes can progressively compromise the irrigation of the organs, interrupting their function.

The combination of these lesions compromises the functioning of the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of related diseases, mainly heart attack, heart failure and diseases of the arterial vessels or, for example, aneurysms of the thoracic and abdominal aorta.

“It is important to emphasize that cardiovascular damage does not depend on the number of cigarettes and, yes, on their harmful effect. We must also remember that passive smokers can also develop this problem, precisely because they inhale smoke,” the doctor emphasizes.

Brain

The neurosurgeon, Philip Mendesstates that cigarette use can significantly affect the brain, causing numerous neurochemical and structural changes that can have serious consequences on cognitive function.

“The main psychoactive substance in cigarettes is nicotine, which stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin. Although dopamine can provide a feeling of pleasure and reward, chronic exposure can lead to a cycle of addiction by acting on the brain’s reward system,” explains the neurosurgeon.

The doctor says some studies show that chronic smoking is associated with cognitive decline, affecting memory, attention and learning ability.

Long-term exposure to nicotine and other toxins in cigarettes may contribute to premature aging of the brain, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s dementia.

The ability to make decisions, plan, and solve problems can also be impaired by chronic nicotine exposure, significantly impacting quality of life and the ability to cope with daily activities.

Skin

Smoking has profoundly damaging effects on the skin, contributing significantly to premature aging and a number of dermatological problems.

The dermatologist, Luke Mirandastates that smoking accelerates the formation of wrinkles, especially in areas such as the lips and eyes, where the skin is thinner. This occurs due to the degradation of collagen and elastin, proteins essential for the firmness and elasticity of the skin.

“The skin loses its ability to regenerate and becomes looser, resulting in an aged appearance. Smokers often have a dull skin tone due to decreased oxygen and blood flow. This can cause a gray or yellowish appearance,” says the doctor.

8 Skin Problems Caused by Cigarette Use

In terms of skin problems, smoking impairs the body’s ability to heal wounds, which can lead to complications in the healing process, increases the risk of developing skin diseases such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and vascular diseases such as vasculitis, and is also associated with a higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Digestive system and related organs

Smoking can also have a number of harmful effects on the digestive system and related organs. The doctor Mauro Giacomospecialist in endoscopy, surgery and gastroenterology, says that smoking can increase the production of acid in the stomach, leading to a higher incidence of gastritis and peptic ulcers.

“In addition, the nicotine in cigarettes can reduce the production of bicarbonate, which protects the stomach lining, exacerbating the risk of ulcers. Smokers often experience symptoms of dyspepsia, such as stomach pain or discomfort, nausea, and bloating,” says the doctor.

In the case of the liver, patients who smoke are at greater risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition in which fat builds up in the liver, which can progress to more serious conditions such as steatohepatitis and cirrhosis.

The liver is responsible for metabolizing many substances, and components of cigarettes can interfere with this process, potentially altering the efficacy and safety of drugs and increasing the risk of liver toxicity.

Smoking is also a well-known risk factor for esophageal cancer and is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. Carcinogens in cigarette smoke can damage cell DNA, leading to tumor formation.

Additionally, it can affect the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as gastroesophageal reflux, constipation or, paradoxically, diarrhea.

Immune system

Cigarette use has a significant negative impact on the immune system, compromising its ability to fight infections and diseases.

The pulmonologist of Health at home, Michele Andreata, says that cigarette smoke contains a variety of toxic substances and more than 7,000 chemical compounds, many of which are known to be immunosuppressants. These compounds affect the immune system in different ways.

“It inhibits the function of macrophages and neutrophils, which are key cells in the body’s defense against infections. This results in a reduced capacity for phagocytosis and destruction of pathogens,” explains the specialist.

Patients who smoke tend to have reduced antibody production, which impairs the adaptive immune response, leaving the body more vulnerable to infections.

Continued exposure to cigarette smoke also induces a state of chronic inflammation, which can lead to immune dysfunction. This inflammatory state is harmful because it can alter the normal immune response and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases.

Furthermore, the vaccine response in smokers is often less effective, resulting in suboptimal protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.