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Although most smokers are aware of the harmful effects of smoking, this may not be enough to overcome the reasons why they are smoking. A careful review of these reasons may help them come to the conclusion that it is time to quit.
How many people look back at the end of their lives and think "I'm sure glad I was a smoker" or "I really regret giving up smoking"? Now is the time to begin taking action and getting the help necessary to break this habit. You'll be glad you did.
Smoking is associated with significantly increased overall morbidity and mortality. This was recognized early in the era of industrialized cigarette production and mass use. In the 1950s there were already reports linking cigarette smoking with the fast rise in the rate of lung cancer. Today, knowledge of the negative health consequences of smoking is widely recognized, but smoking still remains the number one cause of preventable death in developed countries.
Tobacco smoke is a dangerous substance with more than 500 known cancer-causing chemicals. Every time a smoker lights up he or she is being injured to some degree by inhaling these poisons.
Incidence
Lung cancer is presently the number one killer in both men and women; in the year 2000 some 300,000 people died from lung cancer in the United States alone.
Facts:- Among smokers aged 35 to 69, smoking accounts for a threefold increase in the death rate.
- Approximately half of all regular smokers that begin smoking during adolescence will be killed by tobacco (WHO).
- In 1985 it was estimated that more than one in every six deaths in the USA was the result of smoking.
- Smokers have more acute and chronic illnesses than those who have never smoked, more bed-ridden days, and more days missed from school and work.
- Smokers make greater use of inpatient and outpatient hospital services and lower use of preventive care services.
- Of all cancer deaths in the US, 30% could be prevented if cigarette smoking were eliminated.
Complications
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries, and smoking is considered one of the major risk factors in its development. Coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and peripheral vascular disease are all caused by smoking. The degree of this risk is proportional to the amount of cigarette smoking.
Cigarette smoking exacerbates both the frequency and duration of ischemia in patients with CAD. Furthermore, in patients continuing to smoke within 3 weeks of receiving thrombolytic therapy after a myocardial infarction, the risk of reinfarction increased from 5.1% to 20% compared to smokers who quit.
Smoking is the single most important risk factor for the development of large vessel peripheral vascular disease. This is mediated through smoking induced atherosclerosis and vasoconstriction.
Smoking is associated with atherosclerosis of the aorta, and death rates from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are higher in smokers: 59% of all aortic aneurysm is the result of smoking. The death risk of AAA is two to three times higher in smokers as compared to never smokers.
Smoking causes an acute increase in blood pressure, pulse rate, plasma ACTH, cortisol, aldosterone, and catecholamine levels.
Respiratory Diseases
The irritant and inflammatory effects of tobacco smoke lead to increased cell turnover, damage to cells and tissues in the throat and lungs, and interference with the normal barrier and clearance mechanism of the lung. The loss of the protective cilia allows harmful smoke particles, dust and bacteria to invade the lungs... thus reducing resistance to lung diseases.
Studies have indicated that smoking is the primary risk factor for accelerated decline in respiratory function. For instance, "forced expiratory volume in one second" test (FEV1) is an often-used measurement of lung function. FEV1 normally declines with age, but while in nonsmokers this decline is some 20-30ml per year, in current smokers this decline is 25-80ml per year.
Combined exposure to asbestos and cigarette increases the relative risk of developing lung cancer five-fold over smokers not exposed to asbestos. Tobacco-initiated DNA damage can also be amplified by exposure to other toxic agents, such as asbestos or alcohol.
Smokers of all ages are more likely to report pulmonary symptoms such as chronic cough, phlegm production, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Studies have found that smoking is associated with an increased rate of acute respiratory infection. Furthermore, mortality from influenza and pneumonia is increased and this increase is directly proportional to the amount of cigarettes smoked.
Overall, smoking is responsible for 82% of chronic lung disease. The best form of treatment for this is to quit smoking; antibiotics help, as does exercise. A lung transplant could be required in extreme cases.
Children
Smokers who have children, particularly children with asthma, may have another compelling reason for kicking the habit. Unknowingly, they could be contaminating their children's bloodstream with a major nicotine metabolite called cotinine, while damaging their children's bronchial function in the process. Shockingly, cotinine levels were nearly 10 times higher in children of parents who smoked more than half a pack of cigarettes per day, with the mother's smoking habits having by far the greatest impact on the child's cotinine levels. The higher the level of cotinine in the child's urine, the worse the child's bronchial sensitivity.
Other childhood diseases are more prevalent amongst children whose parents smoke. For example, a child with parents who smoke is estimated to be at 30 times greater risk of developing leg-hip Perthes disease.
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Conditions that suggest Cigarette Smoke Damage: | | | | | Autoimmune |  Chronic Thyroiditis | A study of 132 pairs of twins (264 subjects) showed that smoking can have negative effects on the endocrine system, causing a 3- to 5-fold increase in the risk of all types of thyroid disease. The association was most pronounced in autoimmune disorders (Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis), although there was still a strong association for non-autoimmune thyroid disorders. |
Multiple Sclerosis| | A study at the University of Bergen in Norway, reported October 28th, 2003 in the journal Neurology, found that smoking can more than double a person's chances of developing multiple sclerosis. The risk was higher even if people had given up cigarettes. The authors, Dr. Trond Riise and colleagues, examined 22,312 people aged between 40 and 47. Of those, 87 had MS. The smokers were 1.81 times more likely to get MS than the non-smokers and men had a higher (2.75 times more likely) risk than women (1.61) who had smoked. |
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Circulation |
 Buerger's Disease| | Smoking is the cause of Buerger's disease: there is no documentation of occurrence in nonsmokers, implicating cigarette smoking as the primary cause. Recent work suggests that Buerger's disease may be a reaction to tobacco of persons with a specific genetic type or an autoimmune disorder with immune cell sensitivity to some collagen types, which are constituents of blood vessels. |
 Stroke| | Smoking causes cerebrovascular disease primarily by increasing atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Between 50% and 55% of all strokes in the United States are directly attributable to cigarette smoking. A smoker is 1.5 to 3 times more likely to develop cerebrovascular disease. |
Intermittent Claudication| | Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for vascular disease bar none. |
Coronary Disease / Heart Attack| | According to a report from the U.S. Surgeon General, "Cigarette smoking should be considered the most important risk factor for coronary heart disease." Statistical evidence reveals a three- to five-fold increase in the risk of coronary artery disease in smokers compared to nonsmokers. Risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke depends the number of cigarettes smoked, the number of years smoked, the age of smoking onset and depth of inhalation. However, when a woman stops smoking, no matter how long or how much she smoked, her risk of heart disease drops by 50% in the first year alone. Similar benefits would be expected for a man. |
Hypertension| | Malignant hypertension and renovascular hypertension are more common in people who smoke. Approximately 15% of hypertension is attributable to smoking. Smoking interferes with the metabolism of multiple anti-hypertensive medications, neutralizing their effectiveness. |
Angina| | Smokers have on average 33% more angina attacks than do non-smokers. |
Cardiomyopathy| | The risk of being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy goes up with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Although there is room for controversy, all doctors recommend that smokers with DCM quit smoking. |
Phlebitis / Thrombophlebitis |
Digestion |
Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers| | Smoking is associated with the development, delayed healing and recurrence of peptic ulcers, as well as resistance to treatment. |
Bad Breath (Halitosis) |
Environment / Toxicity |
Heavy Metal Toxicity| | Tobacco smoking is the most important single source of cadmium exposure in the general population. It has been estimated that about 10% of the cadmium content of a cigarette is inhaled through smoking. The absorption of cadmium from the lungs is much more effective than that from the gut, and as much as 50% of the cadmium inhaled via cigarette smoke may be absorbed.
On average, smokers have 4-5 times higher blood cadmium concentrations and 2-3 times higher kidney cadmium concentrations than non-smokers. Despite the high cadmium content in cigarette smoke, there seems to be little exposure to cadmium from passive smoking. No significant effect on blood cadmium concentrations could be detected in children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. |
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Hormones |
Hyperthyroidism| | A study of 132 pairs of twins (264 subjects) showed that smoking can have negative effects on the endocrine system, causing a 3- to 5-fold increase in the risk of all types of thyroid disease. The association was most pronounced in autoimmune disorders (Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis), although there was still a strong association for non-autoimmune thyroid disorders. |
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Immunity |
Weakened Immune System| | Smoking can lead to a weakened immune system, making colds, flus, and many other ordinary illnesses worse than otherwise. |
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Infections |
Periodontal Disease - Gingivitis| | Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease [Journal of Periodontology, May 2000]. Smokers' teeth fall out faster than those of non-smokers. |
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Lab Values |
High Levels Of Triglycerides |
Mental |
Panic Attacks| | Female patients with panic disorder had a significantly higher smoking prevalence at the onset of their illness than did control subjects 10 years previously (54% vs. 35%). Current smoking prevalence was also higher in those patients with panic attack versus controls (40% vs. 25%). Male smoking rates did not differ between the groups. [Psychiatric Research, 1992;43: pp.253-62] |
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Musculo-Skeletal |
Osteoporosis - Osteopenia| | The evidence is overwhelming: smoking boosts bone loss and is therefore a risk factor for osteoporosis and for bone fractures in general. |
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Organ Health |
Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Macular Degeneration| | Any type of smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke can accelerate the development of the "wet" type of macular degeneration. Smokers on average exhibit only half the density of yellow macular pigment (lutein and zeaxanthin) and develop macular degeneration 7 years sooner than non-smokers. |
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Respiratory |
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)| | Smoking is the single most important risk factor in the development of COPD, contributing to 81.5% of all COPD deaths. People who smoke or have chronic bronchitis have an increased risk of emphysema. Chronic coughing and shortness of breath are symptoms of these diseases. Studies involving over one million men and women have shown that the death rate for chronic bronchitis and emphysema is six times as high for smokers as for non-smokers. |
Acute Bronchitis| | If you smoke or are around damaging fumes (such as those in certain kinds of factories), you are more likely to get acute bronchitis and to have it longer because your bronchial tree is already damaged. |
Pneumonia| | Smoking is a risk factor for the development of pneumonia. |
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Skin-Hair-Nails |
Concern Over Wrinkled Skin| | As with skin that is overexposed to sunlight, smoking causes thickening and fragmentation of elastin, the elastic fibers that are long and smooth in healthy skin. Smoking also depletes the skin's oxygen supply by reducing circulation. It decreases the formation of collagen, the skin's main structural component, and may reduce the water content of the skin, all of which increase wrinkling. Sometimes it is easy to spot someone with 'smoker's face'. |
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Tumors, Malignant |
Lung Cancer| | Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. Some 90% of lung cancer in men and 79% of lung cancer in women is directly attributed to smoking. In fact, smoking increases the chance of developing lung cancer 22-fold for males and 12-fold for females. The relative risk of developing lung cancer is directly proportional to the amount and duration of smoking. The 250% increase in the occurrence of lung cancer between 1960 and 2000 followed the rise in cigarette smoking 20 years earlier.
Smoking causes lung cancer of all the principal histologic types: squamous cell, large cell, small cell and adenocarcinoma. Small cell cancer is the most aggressive type of lung cancer and has the worst prognosis. This kind of cancer tends to grow rapidly spread to other parts of the body early. Large cell cancer spreads to lymph nodes of the chest and it enters the blood stream where it gets carried to other organs such as the liver, bone, brain, and spinal cord. Among men there is an increased proportion of squamous cell carcinoma, while in women there is an increased proportion of adenocarcinoma. |
Laryngeal Cancer| | Smoking is the major cause of this cancer with approximately 82% of cases attributed to it. The risk of developing laryngeal cancer is approximately 10-fold greater for a male and 8-fold greater for a female as compared to never-smokers. The risks are directly proportional to the number of cigarettes smoked. People who stop smoking can greatly reduce their risk of developing cancer of the larynx, as well as cancer of the lung, mouth, pancreas, bladder, and esophagus. |
Esophageal Cancer| | Nearly 80% of all deaths from esophageal cancer are attributable to cigarette smoking. Smokers have an 8- to 10-fold greater risk of developing esophageal cancer than nonsmokers. |
Mouth Cancer| | Smoking is a major cause of oral cancer (tongue, cheeks, lips, gums), accounting for 92% of these cancers in men and 61% in women. The increased risk attributed to smoking is of 27-fold in men and 6-fold in women. As with laryngeal cancer, alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of oral cancer. |
Bladder Cancer| | Close to 50% of all bladder and kidney cancer deaths in men are caused by smoking. Among women, 37% of bladder and 12% of kidney cancer deaths are directly attributable to smoking. The risk of developing these cancers is two to three times greater for both male and female smokers than that of the nonsmoking population. Cigarette smoke can interact with chemicals (especially aromatic amines) in the work place to produce bladder and kidney cancer. Workers exposed to organic chemicals in the dye, rubber, leather and paint industries that also smoke have a greater bladder cancer rate than would be predicted from either smoking or chemicals alone. |
Basal Cell Cancer| | Smoking is a risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer. |
Squamous Cell Cancer| | Smoking is a risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer. |
Cervical Cancer| | Cigarette smoking accounts for approximately 30% of cervical cancers deaths in the USA, with women smokers having a two-fold increase in the incidence of this disease over never-smokers. Cessation appears to have an immediate effect, with former smokers having no increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
A 9-year prospective study of over 6,000 women found a dose-response relationship between smoking cigarettes and the risk of cervical cancer. Those who smoked 15 or more cigarettes per day were 80% more likely to develop cancer or precancerous lesions than nonsmokers. Those who smoked for 10 or more years were 80% more likely to develop cancer. Starting smoking younger than age 16 produced twice the risk of nonsmokers for developing cervical pathology. Smoking is one co-factor that makes HPV-infected cells more likely to turn cancerous. |
Pancreatic Cancer| | Cigarette smoke contains a large number of carcinogens and therefore it should come as no surprise that cigarette smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer. For example, smoking during college has been associated with a 2 to 3-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Approximately 30% of all deaths from pancreatic cancer are attributable to cigarette smoking. Historically, males have had a much higher incidence of cancer of the pancreas. However, this difference is steadily decreasing as women smoke earlier and more heavily. There is approximately a 2-fold increase in the risk of developing pancreatic cancer with smoking and this risk is dose-dependent. |
Stomach Cancer| | About 20% of the mortality from stomach cancer is attributable to smoking. There is approximately a 50% increase in the risk of stomach cancer in smokers compared to never-smokers. |
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma| | One study has found that, compared to men who had never smoked, men who had smoked had an elevated mortality rate for non-Hodgkin's, with a risk almost four-fold greater among the heaviest smokers. |
Cancer, General| | Cigarette smokers have total, overall cancer death rates twice that of nonsmokers. The greater the number of cigarettes smoked, the greater the risk.
There is irrefutable evidence linking cigarette smoking and cancer of various sites. The urine of cigarette smokers has been found to be strongly mutagenic in bacterial test systems. There are at least 43 carcinogens described in cigarette smoke which include polyaromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic hydrocarbons, N-nitrosamines, aromatic amines, aldehydes, volatile carcinogens, inorganic compounds, and radioactive elements.
Cigarette smoke contains substances that act at every stage of cancer formation and growth. Organs that have direct contact with smoke (lung, oral cavity and esophagus) are at the greatest risk of developing cancer. As the substances delivered in cigarette smoke are absorbed and spread through the human body, smoking causes cancer at various distant sites. For example, cigarette smoking is a risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. Samples from the cervix of women smokers show components of tobacco smoke that contain mutagenic activity. |
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)| | There is a growing body of evidence linking smoking and cancer of the hematopoietic system. Between 20% and 30% of leukemia cases are related to smoking. In one study, smoking was associated among participants aged 60 and older with a twofold increase in risk for AML. [J Natl Cancer Inst. 1993 Dec 15;85(24): pp.1994-2003] |
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)| | Cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk for leukemia and may lead to leukemias of specific morphologic and chromosomal types. The association varies with age. In one study, smoking was associated with only a modest increase in overall risk for leukemia, but among participants aged 60 and older, smoking was associated with a twofold increase in risk for AML and a threefold increase in risk for ALL. Among older persons, risks increased with amount and duration of smoking. [J Natl Cancer Inst. 1993 Dec 15;85(24): pp.1994-2003] |
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Uro-Genital |
Cervical Dysplasia
Erectile Dysfunction (ED, Impotence)| | Men with high blood pressure who smoke are 26 times more likely to be impotent than non-smokers. Even former smokers with high blood pressure (hypertension) are 11 times more likely to be impotent than non smokers. [Study conducted by Dr. John Spangler, MD at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center] |
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Risk factors for Cigarette Smoke Damage:
Cigarette Smoke Damage can lead to: | | | | | Circulation | Poor Circulation
Aneurysm / Rupture| | 278 consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were compared with 314 hospitalized control patients. Regression analysis showed that recent alcohol intake and smoking were significant independent risk factors for hemorrhage. [Stroke 24: pp.639-46, 1993]
Studies have consistently found a 50% decrease in mortality from abdominal aortic aneurysms among former smokers compared with current smokers. [ Medical Clinics of North America, March 1992;76(2): pp.333-53] |
Buerger's Disease| | Smoking is the cause of Buerger's disease: there is no documentation of occurrence in nonsmokers, implicating cigarette smoking as the primary cause. Recent work suggests that Buerger's disease may be a reaction to tobacco of persons with a specific genetic type or an autoimmune disorder with immune cell sensitivity to some collagen types, which are constituents of blood vessels. |
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Hormones |
Hyperthyroidism| | A study of 132 pairs of twins (264 subjects) showed that smoking can have negative effects on the endocrine system, causing a 3- to 5-fold increase in the risk of all types of thyroid disease. The association was most pronounced in autoimmune disorders (Graves' disease and autoimmune thyroiditis), although there was still a strong association for non-autoimmune thyroid disorders. |
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Respiratory |
Acute Bronchitis| | If you smoke or are around damaging fumes (such as those in certain kinds of factories), you are more likely to get acute bronchitis and to have it longer because your bronchial tree is already damaged. |
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Tumors, Malignant |
Esophageal Cancer| | Nearly 80% of all deaths from esophageal cancer are attributable to cigarette smoking. Smokers have an 8- to 10-fold greater risk of developing esophageal cancer than nonsmokers. |
Laryngeal Cancer| | Smoking is the major cause of this cancer with approximately 82% of cases attributed to it. The risk of developing laryngeal cancer is approximately 10-fold greater for a male and 8-fold greater for a female as compared to never-smokers. The risks are directly proportional to the number of cigarettes smoked. People who stop smoking can greatly reduce their risk of developing cancer of the larynx, as well as cancer of the lung, mouth, pancreas, bladder, and esophagus. |
Cervical Cancer| | Cigarette smoking accounts for approximately 30% of cervical cancers deaths in the USA, with women smokers having a two-fold increase in the incidence of this disease over never-smokers. Cessation appears to have an immediate effect, with former smokers having no increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
A 9-year prospective study of over 6,000 women found a dose-response relationship between smoking cigarettes and the risk of cervical cancer. Those who smoked 15 or more cigarettes per day were 80% more likely to develop cancer or precancerous lesions than nonsmokers. Those who smoked for 10 or more years were 80% more likely to develop cancer. Starting smoking younger than age 16 produced twice the risk of nonsmokers for developing cervical pathology. Smoking is one co-factor that makes HPV-infected cells more likely to turn cancerous. |
Mouth Cancer| | Smoking is a major cause of oral cancer (tongue, cheeks, lips, gums), accounting for 92% of these cancers in men and 61% in women. The increased risk attributed to smoking is of 27-fold in men and 6-fold in women. As with laryngeal cancer, alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of oral cancer. |
Basal Cell Cancer| | Smoking is a risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer. |
Squamous Cell Cancer| | Smoking is a risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer. |
Stomach Cancer| | About 20% of the mortality from stomach cancer is attributable to smoking. There is approximately a 50% increase in the risk of stomach cancer in smokers compared to never-smokers. |
Kidney Cancer| | Close to 50% of all bladder and kidney cancer deaths in men are caused by smoking. Among women, 37% of bladder and 12% of kidney cancer deaths are directly attributable to smoking. The risk of developing these cancers is two to three times greater for both male and female smokers than that of the nonsmoking population. Cigarette smoke can interact with chemicals (especially aromatic amines) in the work place to produce bladder and kidney cancer. Workers exposed to organic chemicals in the dye, rubber, leather and paint industries that also smoke have a greater bladder cancer rate than would be predicted from either smoking or chemicals alone. |
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma| | One study has found that, compared to men who had never smoked, men who had smoked had an elevated mortality rate for non-Hodgkin's, with a risk almost four-fold greater among the heaviest smokers. |
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Recommendations and treatments for Cigarette Smoke Damage: | | | | | Amino Acid / Protein |  Cysteine / N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)| | NAC is a beneficial nutrient for the lungs both during and after cessation of smoking. |
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Diet |
 Therapeutic Fasting| | Most people are amazed at how easy it is to quit smoking while fasting. Fasting makes it easier to overcome a tobacco addiction by reducing the craving for nicotine. |
Raw Food Diet| | In a study where the average intake of uncooked food comprised 62% of calories ingested, 80% of those who smoked abstained spontaneously. [South Med J 1985 Jul;78(7): pp.841-4] |
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Habits |
Tobacco Avoidance |
Mineral |
 Selenium| | An Italian study of men who smoked found that heavy smokers had lower levels of selenium than lighter smokers and non-smokers. [Atherosclerosis, 1991;87: pp.129-34] |
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Nutrient |
Alpha Lipoic Acid
TMG (Tri-methyl-glycine)
Not recommended:
 Beta-Carotene| | A 1999 study showed that supplemental beta-carotene has different effects in smokers and nonsmokers. Beta-carotene supplementation has been linked to an increase in lung cancer in smokers, but does not appear to increase risk in nonsmokers. [Nutr Cancer 1999; 34: pp.167-72] |
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Vitamins |
Vitamin E| | Smokers have been found to have a lower alpha tocopherol level than non-smokers. Furthermore, persons with low physical activity levels were found to have a lower level than those with high activity. [Journal of Internal Medicine, 1993;234: pp.53-60] |
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)| | Smokers are advised to consume an extra 35mg daily because smoking depletes the body of some vitamin C. |
Folic Acid |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link | | | Strong or generally accepted link | | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | Strongly counter-indicative | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | May have adverse consequences |
GLOSSARY
Abdomen (Abdominal)
That part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, pancreas and other organs.
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Aldosterone
A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that helps the kidneys regulate the amount of salt and water in your body and, thus, regulate your blood pressure. When aldosterone levels drop too low, your kidneys cannot keep your salt and water levels in balance, and your blood volume and blood pressure drop.
Alpha Tocopherol
A form of vitamin E.
Aneurysm
Localized enlargement of an artery.
Angina
Angina Pectoris: Severe, restricting chest pain with sensations of suffocation caused by temporary reduction of oxygen to the heart muscle through narrowed diseased coronary arteries. Often triggered by exertion. Angina Vasomotoria: Like the previous, but less dangerous and more frequently caused by purely neurologic stimulus. The pain is more spasmodic and there is usually little actual blood vessel blockage.
Arterial (Arteries, Artery)
Blood that leaves the heart. When it leaves the right ventricle, it is venous blood; and when it leaves the left ventricle, through the aorta, it is fresh and oxygenated. After it has passed out to the capillaries and started to return, it is venous blood.
Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.
Atherosclerosis
Common form of arteriosclerosis associated with the formation of atheromas which are deposits of yellow plaques containing cholesterol, lipids, and lipophages within the intima and inner media of arteries. This results in a narrowing of the arteries, which reduces the blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain as well as to other parts of the body and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or loss of function or gangrene of other tissues.
Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Beta-Carotene (Beta Carotene)
The most abundant of the carotenoids, beta-carotene has strong provitamin A activity and is a stronger antioxidant than vitamin A. It is widely accepted today as a cancer preventative. It is found in leafy green and yellow vegetables, often missing in children's diets. Beta-Carotene is believed to be a superior source of Vitamin A because it is readily converted into a more active form of the substance: your body converts it to Vitamin A as needed.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, frequently accompanied by cough, hypersecretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infectious agent and of short duration. Chronic bronchitis, generally the result of smoking, may also be known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Emphysema.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Carcinoma
Malignant growth of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate the surrounding tissue and giving rise to metastasis: An invasive malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue that tends to metastasize to other areas of the body.
Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Catecholamine (Catecholamines)
Any of various amines (as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that function as hormones and/or neurotransmitters.
Cervix
The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Collagen
The primary protein within white fibers of connective tissue and the organic substance found in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, teeth and bone.
Cortisol
A hormone. Its most important function is to help the body respond to stress. It also helps regulate your body's use of protein, carbohydrates and fat; it helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function; it stems inflammation.
Cotinine
A chemical from cigarette smoke found in the urine of those exposed to smoke. Levels reliably reflect the degree of second hand smoke exposure also.
Crave (Craving, Cravings)
To have a strong desire for; to feel the need for.
DCM
Dilated Congestive Cardiomyopathy, the most common type of cardiomyopathy.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the large molecule that is the main carrier of genetic information in cells. DNA is found mainly in the chromosomes of cells.
Elastin
A protein that is similar to collagen and is the chief constituent of elastic fibers.
Esophagus (Esophageal)
Commonly called the "food pipe", it is a narrow muscular tube, about nine and a half inches long, that begins below the tongue and ends at the stomach. It consists of an outer layer of fibrous tissue, a middle layer containing smoother muscle, and an inner membrane, which contains numerous tiny glands. It has muscular sphincters at both its upper and lower ends. The upper sphincter relaxes to allow passage of swallowed food that is then propelled down the esophagus into the stomach by the wave-like peristaltic contractions of the esophageal muscles. There is no protective mucosal layer, so problems can arise when digestive acids reflux into the esophagus from the stomach.
Hemorrhage (Hemorrhaging)
Profuse blood flow.
Hypertension
High blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure because it adds to the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and, over time, to weaken; in addition, it may damage the walls of the arteries.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Ischemia (Ischemic)
Localized tissue anemia due to obstruction of the inflow of arterial blood. A decrease in the blood supply to a bodily organ, tissue, or part caused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Larynx (Laryngeal, Voice Box)
The short passageway shaped like a triangle that is just below the pharyx in the neck.
Leukemia
Cancer of the lymph glands and bone marrow resulting in overproduction of white blood cells (related to Hodgkin's disease).
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Lymph Nodes (Axillary Nodes, Inguinal Nodes, Lymph Gland, Lymph Glands, Lymph Node, Lymphatic)
Small, bean-shaped nodes at various points throughout the body that function to filter the lymph fluid and attempt to destroy the microorganisms and abnormal cells which collect there. The most common locations are the neck (both sides and front), armpit (axillary) and groin (inguinal), but also under the jaw and behind the ears. Swollen or painful lymph nodes generally result from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are extremely rare. Physical examination for lymph nodes includes pressing on them to check for size, texture, warmth, tenderness and mobility. Most lymph nodes can not be felt until they become swollen, and then will only be tender when pressed or massaged. A lymph node that is painful even without touching indicates greater swelling. Lymph nodes can usually be distinguished from other growths because they generally feel small, smooth, round or oval-shaped and somewhat mobile when attempts are made to push them sideways. Because less fat covers the lymph nodes in children, they are easier to feel, even when they are not busy filtering germs or making antibodies. Childrens' nodes enlarge faster, get bigger in response to an infection and stay swollen longer than an adult's. Also known (incorrectly) as lymph glands.
Macular Degeneration
Increasingly poor eyesight often accompanied by light sensitivity, distorted vision and a blank or dark patch in the center of vision.
Malignant (Cancerous)
Dangerous. Mainly used to describe a cancerous growth -- when used this way, it means the growth is cancerous and predisposed to spreading.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Metabolite (Metabolites)
Any product (foodstuff, intermediate, waste product) of metabolism.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Milliliter (mL)
0.001 or one thousandth of a liter.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, causing patches of sclerosis (plaques) in the brain and spinal cord, manifested by loss of normal neurological functions, e.g. muscle weakness, loss of vision, and mood alterations.
Mutagenic (Mutagenicity)
Production of genetic alterations.
NAC
N-acetyl-l-cysteine. A sulfur compound that is a precursor of glutathione.
Osteoporosis
A disease in which bone tissue becomes porous and brittle. The disease primarily affects postmenopausal women.
Pancreas (Pancreatic)
Opposite the liver and behind the stomach, the pancreas has two main functions - to manufacture various enzymes for digestion, and to release hormones to help control the body's use of carbohydrates. It releases insulin to help each cell absorb glucose to burn as energy. In this way, insulin controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Proper pancreatic function is very important: too much, too little, or no insulin production can be life-threatening. Some of the chemicals released by the pancreas are not hormones, but stimulate other glands to make hormones. Once again, balance is necessary. Nutritional requirements for the pancreas are many. Research indicates that chromium vitamins C, E, B-complex, calcium, magnesium and potassium are especially important.
Panic Attack (Panic Attacks)
A brief, irrational episode of fear that is perceived as so real that an individual may be driven to escape from the place or situation where it occurs. The attack is sudden and increases in severity until it leaves, usually within ten minutes. Panic attack symptoms are numerous and involve both mental and physical signs and symptoms. A panic attack can occur in other anxiety states such as agoraphobia and with certain activities and places. It may occur spontaneously without an apparent cause.
Panic Disorder
A condition whereby an affected individual has recurrent and unexpected panic attacks and worries a great deal of the time about having another. The individual may also have persistent concern or fear that a panic attack might cause unrelated health problems or a demonstrable change in usual behavior. The symptoms of panic disorder must be present for at least one month to confirm the diagnosis.
Pathology (Pathologist)
Disease, particularly one with clear and obvious changes in structure or function; the study of same.
Peptic Ulcer (Duodenal Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcers, Gastric Ulcer, Gastric Ulcers, Peptic Ulcers)
A general term for gastric ulcers (stomach) and duodenal ulcers (duodenum), open sores in the stomach or duodenum caused by digestive juices and stomach acid. Most ulcers are no larger than a pencil eraser, but they can cause tremendous discomfort and pain. They occur most frequently in the 60 to 70 age group, and slightly more often in men than in women. Doctors now know that there are two major causes of ulcers: most often patients are infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori); others are regular users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which include common products like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Perthes Disease
Also known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (capital femoral epiphysis). The most common osteochondrosis, which occurs in the head of the thighbone, which dies and is then gradually replaced over a period of years. It occurs in youngsters aged 3-13 and is much more frequent in boys than in girls. Persistent pain is the most prominent symptom. Uncorrected severe cases lead to arrest of growth, deformity, and arthritic changes in the hip joint.
Phlebitis
Inflammation of a vein. Symptoms of superficial phlebitis include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected vein. The vein feels hard to the touch because of the clotted blood.
Phlegm
Mucus in the throat or bronchi.
Pneumonia (Pneumonitis)
Inflammation, usually infectious, of the lungs. Unless the result of only moderate chemical or smoke irritation, it is a potentially life-threatening condition. There are so many defenses against an infection this deep in the body that the very presence of pneumonia signals a pathogen of great virulence or impaired or exhausted immunity, or all three. Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lungs, from whatever cause. It may be concurrent with pneumonia or pleurisy.
Precancerous Lesion (Precancerous Lesions)
Abnormal tissue that is not yet malignant.
Prognosis
A prediction (estimate) of the future course and outcome of a disease and an indication of the likelihood of recovery from that disease.
Selenium
An essential element involved primarily in enzymes that are antioxidants. Three selenium- containing enzymes are antioxidant peroxidases and a fourth selenium-containing enzyme is involved in thyroid hormone production. The prostate contains a selenium-containing protein and semen contains relatively large amounts of selenium. Clinical studies show that selenium is important in lowering the risk of several types of cancers. In combination with Vitamin E, selenium aids the production of antibodies and helps maintain a healthy heart. It also aids in the function of the pancreas, provides elasticity to tissues and helps cells defend themselves against damage from oxidation.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Stroke (Stroke-Type Event)
A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.
Thrombosis
Formation of blood clots causing vascular obstruction.
Thyroid (Thyroid Gland)
The thyroid gland is an organ with many veins, anchored around the front of the throat near the voice box. It is essential to normal body growth in infancy and childhood. It absorbs iodine from the diet and releases thyroid hormones - iodine-containing compounds that help govern the rate of the body's metabolism (its total life processes), affecting body temperature, and regulating protein, fat and carbohydrate catabolism in all cells. They keep up growth hormone release, skeletal maturation, and heart rate, force, and output. They promote central nervous system growth, stimulate the making of many enzymes, and are necessary for muscle tone and vigor. To a high degree, metabolism is regulated by the hormone thyroxine, which can be made by the thyroid if enough organic iodine is available. An enlarged thyroid gland that is not cancer is sometimes called goitre.
Thyroiditis (Chronic Thyroiditis, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis)
Inflammation of the thyroid; there are several forms of thyroiditis, including chronic or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (also called autoimmune or chronic lymphocyctic thyroiditis), subacute thyroiditis, and painless or postpartum thyroiditis. Thyroiditis often results in hypothyroidism.
Thyrotoxicosis (Graves Disease, Graves' Disease)
Also known as Graves' disease, is a disorder of excess thyroid hormone production. It is usually linked to an enlarged thyroid gland and bulging eyes (exophthalmos).
Vascular
Relating to the blood vessels of the body. The blood vessels of the body, as a group, are referred to as the vascular system. They are composed of arteries, veins and capillaries - arteries that pass oxygen-rich blood to the tissues of the body; veins which return oxygen-depleted blood from the tissues to the lungs for oxygen; and the capillaries that are the tiniest vessels and are between the arteries and veins.
Vasoconstriction (Vasoconstrictor, Vasoconstrictors)
A narrowing of any blood vessel, especially the arterioles and the veins in the blood reservoirs of the skin and the abdominal viscera.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.
Last updated: Apr 21, 2008
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