Exposure to tobacco smoke, either directly or from second-hand smoke, introduces your body to hundreds of toxins. Diseases caused by tobacco smoking occur across multiple body systems. The Centers for Disease Control indicate that approximately 21 percent of all American adults smoke. The American Cancer Society reports that cigarette smoking kills more Americans annually than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide and illegal drugs combined.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is characterized by obstruction of airways from inflammation and mucous production. The American Lung Association reports that tobacco smoking is the primary risk factor for developing COPD and causes almost 90 percent of COPD deaths.
Increased Infections
Smoking tobacco increases your risk of developing upper respiratory tract and lung infections. The authors of "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care" explain how cigarette smoke coats the tiny cilia hairs in the respiratory tract, restricting their normal undulating motion that is responsible for clearing the respiratory tract and lungs of bacteria and debris. Sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia can result.
Cancer
People typically think of lung cancer when considering the effects of tobacco smoke. Although smoking is the cause of 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, the American Cancer Society reports that cigarette smoking accounts for approximately 30 percent of all cancer deaths. Smoking tobacco, especially in cigarettes, can lead to cancer of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, voice box, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney and bladder. Every system that is touched by smoke as it enters the body, is processed and excreted has an increased risk for developing cancer.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases caused by tobacco smoking include myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in legs). Smoking tobacco causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) which increases blood pressure and puts an increased workload on the heart. Carbon dioxide is inhaled during smoking and displaces oxygen carried by red blood cells resulting in less available oxygen; a condition called hypoxemia. All of these factors combined can lead to or worsen heart disease, PVD, blood clot formation and stroke.
Reproductive Disorders
Smoking tobacco is linked to decreased fertility in women and erectile dysfunction in male smokers. Toxins present in tobacco smoke and the diminished circulation induced by vasoconstriction are suspect causes. The ACS reports that women who smoke have a higher incidence of miscarriage, preterm labor and low birth weight babies.
Fractures
Tobacco smoking is associated with a higher incidence of hip fracture. Bone weakening is attributed to decreased circulation from vasoconstriction and hypoxemia.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cigarette Smoking Among Adults and Trends in Smoking Cessation
- American Cancer Society: Cigarette Smoking
- American Lung Association: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Fact Sheet
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care"; Donna D. Ignatavicius MS RN, & M. Linda Workman Ph.D; 2006
