Many health groups are continuously reminding people about the harmful effects of smoking on the body, aside from the fact that it is habit forming. Once these effects set in, they may be hard to treat, some are even irreversible. So what are some of the dangers smokers seem to be taking for granted?

Health risks from smoking begin as soon as the person starts smoking. Beginners often experience shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and phlegm more frequently than non-smokers. Also, the earlier a person starts smoking, there is also a bigger risk of premature death from common smoking-related diseases such as emphysema, lung cancer, and heart disease. Adult smokers also put themselves at risk of early onsets of osteoporosis, menopause, and fertility problems.

Aside from these major effects, smokers are also at risk of developing mouth ulcers or cancers and dental problems such as teeth discoloration due to tar, gum bleeding and diseases, bad breath, and tooth decay. Smoking also increases the production of acids in the stomach, which often leads to ulcers and heartburn. Tar can also cause cancer of the throat and the esophagus.

Female smokers have been gaining numbers lately as well, and they also put themselves in major health risks. Since smoking greatly affects the female reproductive system, it affects the production of hormones that prevents the early onset of wrinkles in women. Young smokers may not see the effect now but when they reach the age of 30, they will look more like 40. Smoking during pregnancy is also harmful for the baby, since the development of its brain will be affected, and puts the baby in greater danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

So before it is too late, young people should be discouraged from smoking. Meanwhile, it's not yet too late for smokers to break the habit, as there are many substance abuse treatments being offered today. Stopping early may prove to be beneficial for smokers and their families. The decision to quit smoking is never easy for most people, so drug intervention may be necessary for them to be convinced that they should put away their cigarettes forever.