Tag Archives: Smoking

How Does Smoking Aid in Destruction of Lung Tissue in Smokers?

September 1, 2012 2:07 pm /

One of the primary negative health issues associated with smoking is the destruction of lung tissue. Lung tissue damage occurs in a number of ways when you smoke. In some cases, the damage is permanent and even life-threatening, according to the American Cancer Society.

Immediate and Short Term Impact

Your lungs contain cilia, stiff hairs that clean lung tissue. A relatively immediate result of smoking is slowing the function of cilia. Over time, smoking destroys cilia, reducing the ability of the lungs to stay in a clean condition, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The net effect is the buildup of foreign substances in the lungs, which damages lung tissue and leads to disease.

Long-Term Impact

Smoking introduces over 4,000 chemicals into your lungs, some of which are carcinogenic, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Carcinogenic chemicals damage lung tissue by changing normal cells into cancerous ones. Lung cancer is a deadly disease. Over time, smoking additionally kills lung tissue, lessening lung capacity and making it harder to breath.

Time Frame

Most damage to and destruction of lung tissue takes place over time, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. For example, the carcinogenic chemicals contained in cigarette smoke typically need to accumulate over time before precancerous and ultimately cancerous conditions occur. The time frame for permanent lung destruction varies from individual to individual and depends in some part on the number of cigarettes smoked on a regular basis.

Prevention/Solution

Research demonstrates that in many cases, stopping smoking results in at least some improvement of certain damage sustained to lung tissue, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. For example, a precancerous condition can abate, preventing the onset of cancer in some individuals.

Warning

Because the impact of smoking on lung tissue varies depending on a variety of factors, experts maintain that you should avoid smoking altogether, according to the American Cancer Society.

article source :http://www.livestrong.com/article/242321-how-does-smoking-aid-in-destruction-of-lung-tissue-in-smokers/

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Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)

January 10, 2012 5:04 am /

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop erectile dysfunction with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors include:

Age

The incidence of erectile dysfunction rises with age, with about 5% at age 40, to 15%-25% at age 65 and older.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:

Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
Chronic kidney disease
Cirrhosis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Peyronie’s disease (bending of the penis caused by scar tissue)
Endocrine disorders (hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism , hypothyroidism , hyperprolatinemia, Cushing syndrome )
Neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis , peripheral neuropathy , stroke )
Myotonic dystrophy
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Psychiatric disorders (such as anxiety , depression , schizophrenia )
Psychological problems (stress, personal relationships, new partners)

Traumatic Conditions

Trauma, whether through an accident or surgery, can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction. Trauma includes:

Vascular surgery
Urologic surgery, such as prostate surgery
Pelvic surgeries (particularly for prostate cancer)
Spinal cord injury

Behaviors

Certain behaviors can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:

Alcohol use
Illegal drug use (eg, heroin, marijuana)
Anabolic steroid use
Heavy smoking

Medications

Certain medications can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:

Antihypertensives
Antihistamines
Antidepressants
Tranquilizers
Antipsychotics
Histamine blockers
Nicotine

If you suspect a medication may be affecting your sexual functioning, talk with your doctor. Do not stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.

Source – http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/yourhealth/healthgate/getcontent.asp?URLhealthgate=%2219417.html%22 

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How Smoking Causes ED Symptoms

December 23, 2011 8:08 am /

It is common knowledge that smoking actually causes a restriction of blood vessels which ultimately leads to artery blockages. If a man’s penis is receiving insufficient amounts of blood to and through it a man may not be able to achieve or maintain an erection.

Smoking is actually one of the most common reasons for impotence. Clinical studies have showed that being a smoker may increase a man’s risk of erectile dysfunction in men between 30 and 50 years by 50 percent.

Considerable Damage Is Done To Smokers

Not only does smoking affect a man’s ability to form an erection but it is also responsible for decreasing a man’s sperm count, increasing sperm mortality and decreasing a man’s sex drive.

Read More …

Posted in: Erectile Dysfunction / Tagged: , ,

3 Ways to Boost Male Fertility

February 4, 2011 5:34 pm /

Infertility in men is a rising trend. More and more couples are finding it difficult to conceive and the chances of men being infertile are 50/50.

Low sperm count and unhealthy sperm are some of the main reasons behind infertility in men.

However, there are some natural ways that can help boost fertility in men.

3 Ways to Boost Male Fertility

1. Stop Smoking

Smoking and infertility in men go hand in hand.

Smoking results in a low sperm count- Men who smoke can have a sperm count which as much as 15% lower as compared to non smokers. Basically, smoking affects the absorption of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12 etc., that are important for a healthy sperm count. Not only this, it also affects the production of testosterone and low testosterone levels can lead to a drop in your sperm count.

Smoking affects Sperm Mobility- What it means is that it affects the ability of the sperm to travel through the vagina to reach the egg so as to fertilize it. Smoking affects the ability of the sperm to make this journey. This reduces the chances of conception.

2. Quit Drinking Alcohol

Just like smoking, alcohol can also affect your fertility.
Increases Estrogen- Alcohol tends to increase estrogen levels in your body. This tends to lower testosterone levels leading to a drop in your sperm count. There can other effects as well such as atrophy in testicles, development of male breasts and even low libido.
Reduces Sperm Count, Affects the shape and health of the sperm etc.,

3. Natural Semen Supplements

Natural or herbal semen supplements are packed with time tested herbs and other essential nutrients that not only increase semen production but also ensure the production of healthy sperm. They also helps boost sperm count and give a boost to your fertility.

Some of the best semen enhancers contain zinc, l-arginine, l-carnitine, fucus vesiculosus, ling zhi, ka gua etc.,

Zinc is extremely important as far as increasing fertility is concerned. There are studies which reveal that when sub fertile men are give zinc and folic acid supplements, they experienced an increase in their sperm count.

Such supplements not only helps boost the production of semen and fertility but also give a boost to your libido or sex drive. Another benefit of such supplements is that they can help ensure harder and powerful erections.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Ways-to-Boost-Male-Fertility&id=4590898

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