If you have been smoking for a large majority of your life, we are sure you have heard many of the statistics and warnings about the dangers of chronic smoking. It has become more apparent over the last few years just how dangerous this addictive habit can be.

We know that quitting an addictive habit can be really hard, but the work you put in now will pay off in many big ways later when you are living a healthier and smoke-free life.

Our AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga team explains more about the negative effects of smoking and how to start the quitting process below.

How Does Smoking Affect Your Lungs?

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, and your lungs and other organs are directly exposed to these chemicals with every inhale you take. Within 10 seconds of your first inhale, these toxic and cancer-causing chemicals will travel to your lungs, heart and liver. Over time, this exposure will lead to tar building up in your lungs that can make it harder to breathe normally. This can negatively impact your other organs as well if you aren’t getting the oxygen you need.

In addition to detrimental impacts on your lungs, smoking impacts almost every bodily system in a negative way. Your skin will experience premature wrinkles and can turn yellow or sag, your teeth and hair can start to fall out, and your sense of smell and taste can even be diminished.

Possible Long-Term Health Complications From Smoking

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Lung cancer
• Heart disease
• Emphysema

How Soon Will I Be Healthier After Smoking?

Each day you don’t pick up a cigarette is a good day for your health and wellness. Once you take these steps to quit, your lungs will actually start to clear, your skin will look and feel better, and you will eventually be able to take larger and more productive breaths! Your senses of taste and smell will also start to come back to normal.

Did you know that your family will also be healthier if you quit smoking? Secondhand smoke has just as many chemicals in it as the initial tobacco smoke that you inhale. This chronic exposure can increase your children’s risk of experiencing asthma or other respiratory issues. Quitting directly removes that smoke from their lives and lungs, and they will be able to breathe easier and live better, too.

Taking the First Steps to Quitting

• Find your reason why.
• Research different medication options.
• Consider counseling.
• Surround yourself with positive support.

We are always here for you. Stop by AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga any day of the week.