How does smoking affect health?

Smoking in enclosed places is now against the law. It is estimated that of the 13 million smokers in the UK, about two thirds want to stop. The dangers to health cannot be over-emphasised.

Smoking is the greatest cause of premature deaths and general ill health in the UK. The figures speak for themselves: approximately 120,000 die every year in the UK from smoking related ailments, 25% of all deaths related to heart disease are caused by smoking as are 30% of all deaths caused by cancer.

The figures are more alarming when bronchitis and emphysema are involved as smoking is responsible for 83% of all deaths caused by these two conditions.

Smoking is addictive and affects non-smokers passively, particularly causing ill health in children. It also harms babies developing in the womb if the expectant mother is a smoker, or is in an environment where she is exposed to second hand smoke.

Use our Smoking Cost Calculator to see how much you spend on cigarettes.

What happens if you quit?

·         Within 20-30 minutes the pulse rate and blood pressure return to normal levels. There is an improvement in circulation and you feel warmer.

·         Within 10 hours of stopping smoking, the carbon monoxide levels fall and the oxygen in the body comes back to normal, thereby reducing the chances of coronary heart disease.

·         Within the first 24 hours the carbon monoxide washes out of the body and the lungs start shedding mucus and other deposits.

·         Within 2 days the carbon monoxide is totally eliminated, the sense of smell returns and taste improves.

·         Within 3-4 days there is a considerable improvement in breathing because the tubes and lungs (bronchus and bronchioles) relax.
The circulation improves in 2-12 weeks making it easier to carry out mild exercise.

·         With 3-9 months there is a 10% improvement in lung function and breathing.

·         Within five years the chances of a heart attack fall by 50% and you can now declare to the insurance company as a non-smoker.

·         Within 10 years one reduces the risk of lung cancer by 50% and the risk of coronary heart disease comes to the level of a non-smoker.

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Smoking is a greater cause of death and disability than any single disease, says the World Health Organisation. According to their figures, it is responsible for approximately five million deaths worldwide every year.

Quitting Smoking can bring immense relief to smokers and their health conditions. The following are likely benefits of quitting smoking:

·         Clearer complexion and whiter teeth, improved breathing and general fitness

·         Hair, skin and breath no longer smell of tobacco smoke

·         Loss of smokers cough

·         Improved sense of smell and taste

·         Lack of worry over damage smoking is doing to your health

·         Less risk of smoking-related diseases; improved life expectancy

·         Feel good about yourself for having quit

·         More money to spend.

Smokers who quit before the age of 45 have a life expectancy close to that of people who have never smoked. For people above this age, the gap widens, but smokers who quit over the age of 45 still enjoy considerable health benefits over people who continue to smoke.

What can you use to help stop?

There are a variety of products (stop smoking aids) sold at most pharmacist to help you quit smoking, Should you require any help, our professional and dedicated pharmacist are always happy to help.  

·     Nicotine Gum

·     Patches

·     Lozenges

·         Alternative

Need further advice?

Our pharmacist will happily deal with any queries you may have regarding smoking. E-mail your queries to pharmacist@allcures.com or telephone 01708 859750 for any details.

Dr. A. Bose January 2012