Shocking Smoking Effects on Body and Health

Posted on: May 20, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Shocking Smoking Effects on Body and Health

Smoking is harmful to health. But people still smoke because they find it enjoyable and often struggle to quit. This is due to nicotine, which is highly addictive. It releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good, calm, and energised. But these chemicals can also have damaging effects on your body.

Smoking Effects on Your Body

Some of the harmful smoking effects on body include:

1. Cardiovascular System

Nicotine in tobacco narrows blood vessels and decreases oxygen flow throughout the body. This can damage the cardiovascular system, raising the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.

2. Respiratory System

Smoking significantly increases the risk of lung damage, infections, and cancer. It harms the airways and alveoli, leading to chronic cough, conditions like pneumonia and tuberculosis, and is a major cause of lung cancer. Studies show that smokers are up to 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer as compared to non-smokers.

3. Digestive System

Smoking also impacts the digestive system, increasing the risk of mouth, throat, and stomach cancers. It is linked to conditions such as peptic ulcers, Crohn's disease, colon polyps, and pancreatitis. Additionally, smoking raises the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30% to 40% due to its role in promoting insulin resistance.

4. Central Nervous System

Studies show that smoking negatively affects neurological health. Nicotine damages the central nervous system by raising blood pressure and heart rate, weakening it over time. Smoking is also known as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.

5. Integumentary System (Skin, Hair, and Nails)

Smoking also affects your skin, hair, and nails. It accelerates skin ageing, causes wrinkles, delays wound healing, and increases the risk of psoriasis and certain skin cancers. It can lead to fungal nail infections and contribute to hair loss through hormonal changes, free radical damage, and DNA impairment.

Conclusion

Smoking affects nearly every part of the body and poses serious health risks not only for smokers but also for those who are exposed to passive smoking.

As you work towards a healthier lifestyle, it's important to consider your healthcare coverage. Health insurance online provides essential protection, covering a range of medical expenses, from routine check-ups to treatments for chronic conditions. It ensures that you have access to necessary care, reducing the financial burden of medical costs.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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