Smoking during winter is way more dangerous than you realise

Dr Pankaj Sayal tells you why excessive smoking during winters is especially dangerous.

By: Bhakti Paun Sharma | | Updated: March 16, 2016 9:42 am

Lighting a cigarette in the cold weather may sound very enticing, but your heart will not thank you for it. Smoking in any weather is hazardous, but in winter, even more. The cold air and smog affects the lungs, and your smoking doesn’t help. Smoking leads to swelling and narrowing of the lung airways, causing breathlessness. The excess mucus in lungs passage and impairment of the lungs’ clearance system leads to a buildup of poisonous substances. This increases the risk of lung infections, which begins with symptoms such as wheezing and coughing suggests, Dr. Pankaj Sayal, Consultant – Pulmonology, PSRI Hospitals New Delhi. He explains why smoking during winters is more hazardous.

1. Did you know passive smoking kills 600,000 people every year? If you have a family member who smokes indoors, passive smoking during winters may pose a higher health risk since the circulation of air inside the house is minimal during this season. Doors and windows are kept shut to keep the house warm, which may lead to increased concentration of the harmful gases and particles arising from smoke. Diabetics who are passive smokers may also be prone to airborne infections and pneumonia.

2. The blood pressure of an individual is relatively high during winters, which means the heart needs to work harder in pumping blood. Smoking is also guilty of putting strain on your heart. Hence, both winters and smoking pair up to increase the risk of heart disease. Here are 5 reasons why winter is bad for your heart.

3. Diseases of the liver, kidney and heart reduce your immunity. Hence, patients are suggested to avoid smoking or quit smoking during winters to prevent lung infections and other respiratory diseases. Both passive and active smokers are more prone to contracting colds, flu and other viral infections during this season than healthy individuals. So curb that desire to buy your lights and stay healthy this winter. Here are 4 natural remedies that can help you quit smoking.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Published : January 5, 2016 12:20 am | Updated:March 16, 2016 9:42 am

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