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Diseases caused by Smoking

There are several harmful health effects of cigarette smoking. A person addicted to smoking may suffer from a number of serious and fatal diseases caused by smoking. Smokers are more likely to face respiratory infections and several minor complaints such as coughs and colds. Smokers may suffer from some dreadful diseases such as cancer, heart disease, cardiovascular diseases, lung disease, respiratory problems and several other problems related to kidneys, liver and pancreas.

Cancer: Smokers are at a higher risk of getting cancer. Carcinogen present in tobacco smoke causes cancer of lungs, mouth, throat and gullet. About 90% of lung cancer cases are because of smoking. Smokers can also develop other types of cancers such as balder cancer, pancreatic cancer, cancer of kidneys and esophagus cancer. Female smokers are at a greater risk of cervical cancer.

Cardiovascular Diseases: Cardiovascular diseases are the diseases of heart, blood vessels of the heart and blood vessels including arteries and veins. It is a major cause of death due to smoking. Nicotine present in tobacco increases the cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholesterol and other fats get deposited in the arteries, which causes hardening of arteries. The arteries become narrow, rigid or blocked. Due to atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries), blood clots are formed, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Common cardiovascular diseases found in smokers are coronary thrombosis, cerebral thrombosis, coronary heart diseases, blockage in the legs (peripheral vascular disease) and cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It is a group of health conditions, which blocks airflow and causes difficulty in breathing. It causes health problems such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is breathlessness that is caused by damage to alveoli (air sacs). Chronic bronchitis causes frequent coughing with a lot of mucus. Smoking is responsible for about 80% of COPD cases. Smoking increases the rate of decline in lung function three times the usual rate. Breathlessness starts due to decrease in lung function.

Other Conditions caused by Smoking

• The chemicals present in tobacco damage the lining of blood vessels and affect the levels of fats in the bloodstream. It increases the risk of atheroma, which is the main cause of heart disease, stroke and aneurysms.
• Smoking affects your oral health. It can stain your teeth and gums. Smoking can give rise to various health problems of gums and teeth, such as swollen gums, loose teeth and bad breath.
• Smoking causes acid taste in the mouth. It can increase the risk of developing mouth ulcers.
• Smoking can give rise to various sexual problems. Couples addicted to smoking are likely to face fertility problems.
• Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for stroke and heart attacks.
• Smoking worsens asthma by increasing the inflammation of airways.
• Smoking can cause early aging. Due to smoking, the blood supply to the skin is reduced. There is decrease in the levels of vitamin A. Hence, smokers have paler skin and more wrinkles.
• Heavy smoking causes macular degeneration, which results in gradual loss of eyesight. Smokers are at a higher risk for cataract.
• Some other conditions caused by smoking are chest infections, diabetic retinopathy, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.