Cigarette smoke
The dangers of smoking
Passive smoking
Smoking in Britain
The benefits of stopping
Stopping smoking
Cigarette smoke contains many substances which can damage the lungs. The smoke has two parts: tiny solid pieces which contain tar, and the gas, which contains carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Smoking takes these poisonous substances directly into your lungs. The filters in most cigarettes are of some benefit, but they still let most of the harmful chemicals into your lungs.
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The tar in cigarette smoke damages cells in the airways of your lungs. Eventually this damage can produce cells that grow uncontrollably - leading to cancer of the lung or voice box (larynx).
Because of this, your body sends protecting cells to your lungs to try and defend them, but cigarette smoke destroys them. The dead cells then release substances that damage the structure of the lung. This leads to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Cigarette smoke also releases substances into your bloodstream that damage other organs. The arteries can be affected in your heart, brain and other places. This can lead to angina, heart attacks, strokes and poor circulation. It also increases your chances of developing cancer in other areas of the body, such as the gullet or bladder.
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Passive smokers inhale smoke breathed in and out by smokers. They also breathe in the smoke from the burning tips of cigarettes. This smoke contains more of the harmful chemicals than the smoke which has passed through the cigarette filter.
Passive smoking often troubles non-smokers, especially if they have asthma or other lung problems.
Children growing up with parents who smoke are more likely to develop lung problems. The risk of sudden death in young children is also increased when their parents smoke. There is a small increase in the risk of lung cancer in non- smokers who are in close contact with smokers for a long time.
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In March 2006 a ban on smoking in all public places and workplaces began in Scotland.
A similair ban began in Wales and Northern Ireland during April 2007 and began in England on July 1st 2007.
Despite all the problems resulting from cigarette smoking, many people continue to smoke - around 25 per cent of all adults in the United Kingdom. Most smokers start as teenagers. Most adult smokers want at some time to quit.
It is becoming less socially acceptable to smoke and the number of adults is gradually going down. Unfortunately the number of young girls taking up smoking is increasing. Children brought up in non-smoking homes are much less likely to take up the habit.
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The sooner you stop, the less likely it is that your lungs and other organs will be damaged. Symptoms such as coughing can get better within days or weeks. If COPD has started to develop, stopping smoking will prevent further damage. Continuing to smoke causes a steady increase in shortness of breath. This limits your activity and increases the risks of lung and heart failure. It is never too late to think about stopping.
The risk of lung cancer increases the more you smoke, and the longer you smoke. Once you stop, the risk of lung cancer starts to go down. After ten years off cigarettes, the risk is halved compared to the risk if you had continued smoking.
Whilst some people go through life unaffected by smoking, millions do not. Too many people think 'It will never happen to me' - until they develop cancer or have their first heart attack.
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Stopping smoking can be very difficult, but many smokers find it easier than expected. More and more people are managing to quit the habit. Most smokers are addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes and may have withdrawal symptoms such as craving, irritability, depression and loss of concentration.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms can be reduced by using nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), such as nicotine patches, chewing gum, lozenges, spray, inhalator or tablets. These can provide 'clean' nicotine and are much safer than smoking cigarettes. They should be used for about six weeks, then stopped, and are available from your chemist or on prescription from your GP. Clinical trials have shown that, if you want to stop smoking, using a nicotine product nearly doubles your chance of success.
New drugs are now being developed that help reduce the withdrawal symptoms of stopping. These tablets can be given with nicotine replacement treatments and, like NRT, can double the success rate of smokers who try to stop. These are only available on prescription from your GP, who may also advise you to use them alongside local smoking cessation services. Your GP can advise you on potential side effects.
It is generally a good idea to fix a quit date, rather than gradually reduce your smoking. Tell people around you that you are going to stop, and try to get others at home or work to stop with you. This support network makes it easier when temptation arises!
One concern for smokers is weight gain; smoking suppresses your appetite, so you can avoid gaining weight if you are aware of this, if you take exercise and eat healthily.
People who switch from cigarettes to pipes or cigars gain very little benefit in terms of improved good health. Again, it is better to stop smoking completely.
Many doctors, hospitals and local health authorities run support groups and courses to help. Your GP can tell you what is available locally. Despite the difficulties, more smokers are managing to stop every day. It can be done and you will find very definite benefits in your health and the quality of your life.
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Page last medically reviewed: September '07
