Smoking cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or other type of tobacco will produce several physical and emotional signs. Some of those signs take years to appear, but other signs may appear within days of smoking. Severe signs usually appear when someone becomes addicted to nicotine. Teenagers are at a greater risk of developing this addiction; in fact, statistics show that 90% of smokers start smoking before they turn 19. Therefore, it is important to learn how to tell if someone smokes cigarettes. This information may help you decide whether your teen is smoking or not.

Signs Indicating That Someone Smokes Cigarettes

Smoking can lead to serious health implications, including COPD, cancer, and other heart diseases. By learning to identify signs of smoking, you can take necessary steps to help someone break this habit. Here are some common signs indicating that an individual may be smoking cigarettes.

1. Physical Evidence

The most common sign that someone may be smoking is to find tobacco or paraphernalia in their possession. In many cases, someone who has lighters, cigarettes, pipes, or matches is likely to be a smoker, but you cannot say it for sure. You may have to look for other signs as well before drawing any conclusion.

2. Smelly Clothes

Those who smoke tobacco may have its smell in their clothes or hair. It is hard to get rid of the scent of tobacco. Many people try to cover up the smell of tobacco and smoke by using too much of body spray or cologne. If your teen has suddenly started using too much of body spray, it may be because they have started smoking. Again, it is not a surefire way to tell whether someone is smoking or not because you can get the smell of smoke if you have spent time with someone who smokes.

3. Opened Window in the Bathroom

How to tell if someone smokes cigarettes? If your teen has developed a habit of leaving the bathroom window open, it could be because they do not want you to notice any smoke in the bathroom. This may also be the case if they have started spending more time in the bathroom.

4. Burn Holes in the Carpet

The presence of any burn holes in your carpet may indicate that someone in your house is smoking. These holes may also be present in their clothing. This is especially true in case a teenager has started smoking because they are still inexperienced.

5. Smoker Friends

If your child has started spending more time in the bathroom or they have started wearing too much of body spray, it might indicate that they are smoking cigarettes. This is likely to be the case if they also have friends who are smokers. Keep in mind that teenager smokers can persuade others to try it once and it can lead to addiction.

6. The Smokers' Cough

The presence of the smokers' cough is another indication that an individual may be smoking cigarettes. The cough is usually the first symptom of smoking and appears within a few days of smoking. It can be a persistent cough, which becomes worse in the morning. The smokers' cough may produce phlegm, which can be green, yellow, or clear. Do not ignore this cough if someone has recently developed it.

7. Teeth Discoloration

Your teeth will turn yellow when you smoke tobacco. When asking how to tell if someone smokes cigarettes, simply pay attention to the color of their teeth. Any discoloration may be due to smoking. Keep in mind that some people try to use teeth whitening products to cover up this sign. If you notice your child suddenly using special whitening toothpaste or other teeth whitening products, it could be because they are trying to hide those yellow stains caused by smoking. Moreover, someone who smokes may have yellow stains on their fingers.

8. Bad Breath

Bad breath may also be one of many signs suggesting that someone may be smoking, especially if they also have yellow teeth or yellow stains on their fingernails. Someone who has suddenly started using mouthwash may be trying to hide their bad breath caused by tobacco use. If your child has suddenly become interested in using mouthwash or chewing gum, it may be because they do not want you to feel their bad breath.

9. Wheezing

When there are other physical signs of smoking along with wheezing, it almost always indicates that someone is smoking. It usually shows that smoking has started affecting the lungs. Keep in mind that if there are no other signs of smoking and your child is wheezing, you may still want to see your doctor because it could indicate many other physical conditions.

10. Shortness of Breath

If someone is not able to take part in physical activities or has suddenly become less active because of low stamina, it may be because they are smoking cigarettes. Again, you will have to check this sign in conjunction with other physical signs of smoking to draw any conclusion.

11. Respiratory Diseases

Those who smoke often develop a number of respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis, colds, and pneumonia. If someone you know is suddenly getting sick more often with respiratory diseases, you may want to check them for other signs of smoking to confirm if they have been smoking or not.