Smoking has been linked with many serious illnesses. It's also been shown to increase signs of aging. When you smoke, your breathing becomes shallow, and your lungs fill with smoke. This means you get less air. Cigarettes also fill your body with chemicals, such as nicotine and tar.
How smoking affects you
Smoking can:
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Make other people not want to be around you
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Stain your teeth yellow
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Make people feel like they're kissing an ashtray
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Make you, your clothes, your car, and your surroundings stink
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Make some people not want to date you
To learn more
Find helpful tips and resources to help you quit smoking at:
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The CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/tobacco-features/quitlines.html 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
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Smokefree Teen at https://teen.smokefree.gov/become-smokefree/tools-for-quitting 877-44U-QUIT (877-448-7848)
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The American Lung Association at www.lung.org/stop-smoking/ 800-LUNGUSA (800-586-4872)
Featured in
Online Medical Reviewer: Amy Finke RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Dan Brennan MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 07/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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