Say no to smoking: It will make you infertile, give you a droopy body.

By  Esther Namirimu

The youth, especially girls, are smoking a lot more than ever before. In fact, among some circles, smoking is considered so cool that even pregnant mothers are not afraid to light up a cigarette, despite prior knowledge of the dangers of tobacco on a mother and unborn baby.

Change of complexion
Dr. James Balagadde, a dermatologist at Cadam Medical Centre, Kampala, says smoking persistently deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients — the reason some smokers’ skin, teeth, eyes and palms change colour and become pale. Smoking also affects the colour of one’s fingernails and hands. Tobacco can actually stain the skin and nails, as well as the teeth.

Lines around the lips
Balagadde says smoking weakens the area around the mouth because the muscles are frequently engaged to hold cigarette in place. This can result in wrinkles, loss of elasticity and deep lines around the lips.

Age spots
These are blotches of darker skin colour, common on the face and hands. While anyone can develop these spots from spending too much time in the sun, Balagadde says smokers are more susceptible.

Sagging arms and breasts
Dr. Sabrina Kitaaka of Mulago Hospital says as the skin loses its elasticity, body parts that were once firm begin to droop. These include the inner arms and breasts.

Heart disease and erectile dysfunction
In smokers, the arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrowed over time, Kitaaka says, adding that smoking also increases blood pressure and blood clot risks. “These factors raise the odds of having a heart attack. In men who smoke, reduced blood flow can lead to erectile dysfunction,” she adds.

Early menopause
Menopause is the phase when female hormones decline and the menstrual cycle stops. “Most women experience this change around the age of 50. But smokers reach menopause an average of one-and-a-half years earlier than women who do not smoke,” Kitaaka adds.

Reproductive problems
Women who smoke have a tougher time conceiving and giving birth to healthy babies. Smoking during pregnancy raises the odds of having a miscarriage, premature birth, or delivering a low-birth-weight infant.

Damaged teeth and gums
Dr. Howard Besigye, a dental prosthetic at Denture Care Centre in Kamwokya, says smoking is notorious for causing yellow teeth. Smokers also tend to develop gum disease, persistent bad breath and other oral hygiene problems. Smokers are twice as likely to lose teeth as non-smokers

Oral  and lung cancer
Besigye says people who smoke more likely to develop oral cancer. Smokers who are also heavy drinkers are 15 times more likely to develop this form of cancer. “The most common symptoms include a sore patch on the tongue, lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth that do not go away and may be painful. Quitting smoking lowers the risk for oral cancer substantially within a few years,” he adds.

Lung cancer, on the other hand, is one of the world’s top cancers. Of those who die from the disease, nine out of 10 deaths are due to smoking. Cigarettes can also damage the lungs in other ways, making people more vulnerable to breathing problems and dangerous infections like pneumonia.

Hair loss
Kambugu says hair tends to thin as one ages but smoking accelerates the process. Studies suggest that people who smoke are more likely to become bald.

Cataracts
The eyes are vulnerable to tobacco. Experts say as a result of smoking, one is likely to develop cataracts as they age. These are cloudy areas on the lens of the eye that keep light from reaching the retina. If they cause serious vision problems, they are treated with surgery

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that often causes thick, scaly patches on the skin usually on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or back. The patches may be white, red, or black. Recent studies suggest smokers have a greater risk of developing psoriasis.

Eye wrinkles
Everyone is bound to develop wrinkles around the eyes as age sets in. According to Kambugu, smokers develop deeper wrinkles earlier. Heat from burning cigarettes and squinting to prevent smoke from getting to the eyes also accelerate the formation of wrinkles. Chemicals from inhaled tobacco also cause internal damage to the skin structures and blood vessels around the eyes.

Brittle bones
Smoking raises risks of developing weak bones, which increases chances of bone fractures. Smoking also raises chances of spine injuries, causing it to curve and leaving one hunched over.

Reduced athletic ability
Smoking greatly impacts on the heart and lungs. Smokers tend to have a more rapid heart rate, poorer blood circulation and shortness of breath.