The Adverse Effects of Secondhand Smoking
What Is Secondhand Smoking?
Secondhand smoking, also known as passive smoking, occurs when someone inhales the smoke from another person’s cigarette, cigar, or pipe. Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known to cause cancer and other health problems. Secondhand smoke can be just as dangerous as smoking directly, especially for children, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Some Specific Effects Of Secondhand Smoking
Respiratory problems: Secondhand smoke can irritate the airways and cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also increase the risk of respiratory infections, asthma, and lung cancer.
Cardiovascular disease: Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by damaging blood vessels and increasing blood pressure.
Reproductive problems: Secondhand smoke has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and infertility.
It’s important to be informed about the risks of secondhand smoking. It’s not just a personal choice – it can affect others too, including children. One more fun fact for you: over 100 million nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke in Africa alone!
Note: You should consider seeing a healthcare provider if you are exposed to secondhand smoke regularly. If you develop breathing problems due to exposure to secondhand smoke, see your doctor for a proper medical check up or diagnosis.
Read Also: Health tips for smokers
How To Avoid Secondhand Smoking
Here are some ways to avoid secondhand smoke
- Avoid smoking areas, such as designated smoking areas, bars, and casinos.
- Encourage friends and family members who smoke to do so outside and away from non-smokers.
- Ask that smoking not be allowed in your home, car, or workplace.
- Avoid being in an enclosed space with someone who is smoking.
- Avoid going to places where smoking is allowed, such as hotels or restaurants that allow smoking.
How Can Secondhand Smoke Be Diagnosed
The majority of persons who breathe in secondhand smoke are not tested for exposure. Saliva, urine, and blood tests may be carried out to find out the amount of Nicotine inhaled. Pulmonary function tests may also be carried out to identify secondhand smoke dangers such as asthma.
Who Is At More Risk Of Secondhand Smoke Damage?
- Pregnant women and their unborn children: secondhand smoke Reduces oxygen availability for the infant which might cause an increase in fetal heart rate or a decrease in birth weight.
- Bartenders, restaurant servers, and other service industry workers.
- Babies, children, and pets.
A letter From Fekomi Wellness
If you smoke and you find it difficult to quit, please, consider and help others around you by moving far away from where they can inhale the smoke of your cigar. If you are with your family members or friends, you can go outside whenever you want to smoke.
Idan Gan Gan
This herbal tea is a product of Fekomi herbals specially made for smokers to help detoxify the lungs by neutralizing nicotine in the system hence, getting rid of all lung infections and preventing lung cancer.
Click here to shop Idan Gan Gan
Your Wellness Is Our Concern At Fekomi Wellness
Our team of highly qualified and certified healthcare consultants at Fekomi wellness are always ready and happy to help you with your health concerns. Visit Fekomi Wellness today to book an appointment and get started on your health journey. Kindly call our desk line on +2349074197154 for more enquiries.