Today is No Smoking Day and it is observed every year on the second Wednesday of March to encourage people from across the world to quit smoking for a happy, healthy life.

Smoking or chewing tobacco is perhaps one of the worst addictions that can cause major health risks. We all know that smoking initially causes cough, throat irritation and it would eventually lead to severe health problems like bronchitis, pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases and it is a primary cause behind lung and oral cancers.   

Read on for some serious health consequences caused by smoking that you may not be aware about.

Blindness:

Smoking leads to loss of vision. Several studies reveal that regular smokers are at the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes and it can trigger diabetic retinopathy, leading to partial or complete vision loss.  

Type 2 Diabetes:

If you are blaming your poor dietary habits alone for being a type 2 diabetes, it’s time to put blame on the long-term consequences of smoking too. Smoking causes type 2 diabetes and triggers other complications by restricting the flow of blood to legs and feet. It causes severe infection in legs and can lead to amputation.

Ectopic Pregnancy:

Ectopic pregnancy is more likely in women who smoke. This can be a life-threatening complication during reproduction and cause shock, rupture of the fallopian tubes during the early stages of pregnancy. If not treated on time, it can be fatal.

Brittle Bones:

Smokers tend to lose density of bones much faster than non-smokers. If you are a regular smoker, be mindful of your bone health as you are at the high risk of breaking your hip, legs and hands.

Gum Disease:

Smoking causes oral cancer and it can also lead to severe form of gum disease. Smoking contributes to periodontis- a condition that destroys jaw bone supporting the teeth. Periodontists believe that smoking is the major cause of tooth loss among adults.