Why You Should Be Totally Honest With Your Doctor About Smoking
While most people are aware of the dangers of smoking, many continue to smoke because they're addicted to nicotine. If you're a smoker, it's important to be honest with your doctor about your habit. Many health conditions can be made worse by smoking, and your doctor needs to know if you smoke so they can provide the best possible care (via Your Health Matters). Smoking contributes to a variety of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. If you have any of these conditions, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health.
If you're taking medication for a health condition, smoking can make the medication less effective. In some cases, smoking can even cause dangerous side effects. According to The World Health Organization, smoking can also greatly increase the risk of complications after surgery, so it is vital that you tell your doctor if you have been smoking leading up to a procedure. If you're ready to quit smoking, your doctor can provide resources and support to help you succeed. There are many different ways to quit smoking, and your doctor can help you find the method that's right for you.
The dangers of smoking
Smoking is dangerous to your health for many, many reasons. It can cause cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses (via The American Cancer Society). Smoking damages your lungs and airways because the chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco smoke damage your lung tissue and make it harder for your lungs to work properly. Over time, this damage can lead to chronic (long-term) lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.
Smoking also increases your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke (via Healthline). These diseases are caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. Plaque narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart. This can cause a heart attack or stroke. Smoking also increases your risk of developing other cancers, including cancer of the throat, mouth, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix. In addition to the risks mentioned above, smoking also contributes to poor bone health. Smokers are more likely to develop osteoporosis, which is a condition that leads to weak and fragile bones. Finally, smoking is also terrible for your teeth and gums. It can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. So if you're still smoking, now is the time to quit. There are many resources available to help you kick the habit for good.