Cigarette smoke contains many harmful chemicals. Among the most dangerous chemicals are nicotine and carbon monoxide. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. Many diseases are related to smoking and smokers. There is no way to predict who will become seriously ill and who will not. If you are a smoker and want to quit, consult with your physician about smoking cessation programs.
Cancer
Cigarette smoking accounts for at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. The types of cancer associated with smoking are larynx, esophageal, lung, stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney, bladder, and leukemia. Many of these cancers can be prevented by quitting. Individuals need to make sure their physicians are aware that they smoke, so their lung function can be monitored carefully.
Lung Disease
Smoking is a risk factor for lung disease. Cigarette smoking may cause pneumonia and asthma to worsen. You are more likely to develop emphysema and bronchitis. If you are a smoker and experience a bad cough, a cough with thick mucous, hoarseness, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, and fatigue contact your healthcare provider. The smoke from cigarettes (called secondhand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke) can also have harmful health effects on those exposed to it, reports the American Cancer Society. If you are a smoker, be sure to smoke outside of your home and car so that you do not expose your loved ones to disease.
Heart Disease
Cigarette smoking is a major factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Smoking leads to the development of atherosclerosis (fatty plaque build-up in your arteries) and increased blood pressure. Women over 35 years of age who smoke and use oral contraceptives are more likely to develop a heart attack or stroke. Cigarette smoking also leads to a decrease in blood flow to the extremities (peripheral vascular disease). The outcome of surgery is usually poor due to continued smoking. Severe peripheral vascular disease can lead to various surgical procedures and amputations of the affected fingers, toes or limbs.
