Online Doctor - Quit Smoking for Your Health

Most people know the dangers of smoking, but smokers still find it hard to quit smoking. It is widely publicized that smoking can cause lung cancer, but there are many other chronic smoking-related conditions, including emphysema, coronary thrombosis, and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration can cause vision loss, blurred vision or blind spot in the visual field. Coronary thrombosis is a condition in which the blood clots in arteries, blocking blood supply to heart. This can increase the risk of a heart attack. Smoking can cause cerebral thrombosis in which the vessels in the brain are blocked, heightening the risk of stroke or collapse. It can cause blockage in vascular supply, which can cause gangrene or amputation.


There are certain chemicals in a cigarette that can be very damaging to the body. For instance, tar found in cigarettes is a carcinogen, which is the main cause of cancer. It is deposited in the lungs. A cigarette contains more than 4,000 different types of chemical components and at least 50 chemicals can cause cancer. Some of the other chemicals in cigarettes include Benzene, Formaldehyde, Ammonia, Acetone, Nicotine.


The carbon monoxide released during smoking reduces oxygen content in the body. In extreme cases, it can even cause death. The chemical components released from the cigarette can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Other poisonous chemicals found in cigarette are arsenic and hydrogen cyanide.


There are many health benefits of quitting smoking. After 12 hours of your last cigarette, the body begins to heal itself and the level of carbon monoxide in the body reduces; the lungs and heart work to repair the damage. Some of the temporary symptoms associated with quitting are weight gain, listlessness, hunger, and uneasiness. Some people may have problems sleeping because chemical nicotine is a strong substance that has several negative effects on the human body. Nicotine may take two to three days to completely leave the body.


Quitting can be very difficult, especially for long-time smokers. It is important the smokers commit to quitting for their health and the health of those around them. With many quitting aids available, including nicotine patches, gum, and prescription medication, there are many options to consider when finding a quitting that works best for you. There are also support groups and programs available to ex-smokers looking for support. It has been suggested that ex-smokers may need to find a new daily routine and relearn how to function without the crutch of nicotine, talk to your friends, family, and coworkers for support as you adjust.


  1. Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products: A fact sheet by NIDA highlights the dangers of smoking.
  2. Heart Disease & Stroke: The CDC provides information on how smoking can cause heart disease and stroke.
  3. Children & Secondhand Smoke: The Office of the Surgeon General provides information on the effects of secondary smoke on children’s health.
  4. Smoking & Cancer: The National Cancer Institute highlights the dangers of smoking as well as the benefits of quitting.
  5. Smoke Free: A step-by-step guide to quit smoking.
  6. How to Quit Smoking: learn about the dangers of smoking and provides tips for parents to help their children to abstain from or quit smoking.
  7. Smoke-free Homes Pledge: Take the pledge and create a smoke-free home.
  8. Children & Teens: The American Lung Association provides facts on the use of tobacco among children and teens.
  9. Smoking Cessation: A fact sheet to help smokers quit the habit.
  10. Health Risks: Information about the different health risks associated with smoking.
  11. Guide to Quitting Smoking: The American Cancer Society offers a guideline to help people quit smoking with information on the benefits and more.
  12. Benefits of Quitting: Learn more about the benefits of quitting.
  13. Weight Control: The NIDDK provides some ideas on how to control your weight while quitting.
  14. Smoking Cessation Products: The US FDA offers information on products that help people to quit smoking.
  15. Quit Smoking: Learn how to kick your smoking habit here.