According to the CDC, 16 million people suffer from smoking-related chronic illnesses including lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and other conditions such as loss of taste and smell, throat disorders and vocal conditions. Quitting smoking has countless benefits, and can significantly improve your ENT health. Here are our top benefits of quitting smoking.
Top Benefits of Quitting Smoking
1. Enhanced Sense of Smell and Taste
It is common for smokers to have a diminished sense of smell and taste, as smoking can damage the cells in the nose that are responsible for detecting different smells and flavors.
2. Lowered Risk of Oral and Throat Cancer
Smoking is one of the leading causes of oral and throat cancer. Additionally, the chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the DNA in your cells and lead to the development of cancer.
3. Decreased Risk of Sinusitis and Ear Infections
If you are a smoker, your immune system can be weakened and you may be more susceptible to infections. Unfortunately, this can increase your risk of developing sinusitis, congestion, and difficulty breathing. Moreover, smoking can also increase the risk of developing ear infections, which can cause pain, fever, and hearing loss.
4. Better Voice Quality
A hoarse or raspy voice are characteristics of damaged vocal cords caused by smoking. Over time, this can progress to chronic laryngitis, a condition characterized by persistent voice changes and discomfort. Quitting smoking can help improve your voice quality and reduce the risk of developing chronic laryngitis.
5. Improved Breathing and Sleep
Lastly, smoking can damage the lungs and airways, making it more difficult to breathe, and it increasing the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Quit Smoking Today
It is not too late to quit! If you are a smoker, consider quitting today to improve your overall health and quality of life. If smoking is affecting your ENT health, reach out the expert otolaryngologists at Greater Knoxville ENT. Our physicians have years of experience in diagnosing and treating conditions of the ear, nose and throat. Let us help you get back to living the life you love. Call (865) 244-4396 to request an appointment.