Smoking & Nicotine / Question
Published: March 27, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I was wondering if smoking affects the growth of your body, in all areas. I am a 16 YO teenage male and my voice has deepened and I've got the underarm hair but no facial hair and no penis growth. So could you please tell me if this is normal by sending me an email back XXXX@XXXX . If you could write back to me I would be very happy.
Signed: Smoking Affects All Of Body?
Dear Smoking Affects All Of Body?,
Smoking DOES affect all of your body. You are filling your body with toxins and replacing much needed oxygen with carbon dioxide each time you smoke. Your blood carries oxygen to every cell, tissue and organ in your body to help them perform vital life processes. When that oxygen is replaced with carbon dioxide your cells can no longer function properly, disrupting all processes including growth.
Smoking has many effects that can alter normal development. Smoking is associated with weight loss, poor weight gain and excessive tiredness. Smoking also causes increased respiratory infections, ear infections and chronic cough. Smoking is also known to significantly increase the risk for heart attacks, high blood pressure and cancer of lungs/stomach/intestines/ and mouth.
As far as your puberty concerns goes, TeenHealthFX cannot diagnose you over the Internet and strongly urges you to see your doctor to address your concerns. Remember that puberty comes in stages, you may be maturing at your own pace but smoking will put you at risk for many diseases. Since you are truly concerned you should see your doctor. More importantly if you are seriously concerned for your health and development you should stop smoking! Check out Does Smoking Stop the Growth Cycle for more information.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Most smokers begin smoking as teens, and the average age of initiation is 12.5 years of age.
