Kids who smoke have smoking-related health problems

Cigarette smoking causes serious health problems among children and teens, including:

* coughing
* shortness of breath
* more frequent headaches
* increased phlegm (mucus)
* respiratory illnesses
* worse cold and flu symptoms
* reduced physical fitness
* poor lung growth and function
* worse overall health
* addiction to nicotine

As they get older, teens who continue to smoke can expect problems like:

* early heart disease and stroke
* gum disease and tooth loss
* chronic lung diseases, like emphysema and bronchitis
* hearing loss
* vision problems, such as macular degeneration

Each day, more than 3,500 people under the age of 18 try their first cigarette and another 1,100 become regular, daily smokers. About one third of these kids will die prematurely from a smoking-related disease.


Sources:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_2X_Child_and_Teen_Tobacco_Use.asp?sitearea=PED


Tatarov Anton