Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, as of 2008, 46 million American adults are smokers. Smoking-related diseases cause one in five deaths in the United States. Although smoking-related diseases are preventable, many smokers find it difficult to quit because of the addictive nature of nicotine.
Cancer
In 2009, the American Cancer Society stated 30 percent of all cancer deaths were caused by cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking can cause cancer of the throat, mouth and esophagus. In addition, it puts an individual at higher risk for developing cancer of the bladder, pancreas, kidney, cervix and stomach. Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer mortality in men and women, and 87 percent of individuals die from lung cancers related to smoking, the National Institutes of Health states.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are each known as forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 10 million Americans suffer from COPD, and smoking is the major risk factor for the development of COPD.
Emphysema is an irreversible, lung disease and occurs when the tiny air sacs in the lungs are destroyed. An individual with emphysema has a hard time taking in oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide. Symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath, dry cough, a blue tint to the nails, wheezing, shallow breathing and fatigue during normal activities.
Chronic bronchitis occurs when the airways of the lungs become inflamed from cigarette smoke. A thick mucus forms in the airways, making it difficult to get air into the lungs and breathe. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed when the symptoms have lasted longer than three months.
Cardiovascular Disease
Individuals who smoke are at greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke, and more than 2,600 Americans die everyday as a result of cardiovascular disease, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronary heart disease results from the build-up of plaque and scarring of the arteries. This causes inflammation of the artery wall and the hardening of the arteries, putting an individual at greater risk of developing blood clots that obstruct blood flow and cause a heart attack or stroke. Coronary heart disease can progress to congestive heart failure. Chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue on exertion are symptoms of coronary heart disease, but an individual can be unaware he has heart disease until he has a heart attack or stroke.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Smoking and Tobacco Use: Adult Cigarette Smoking in the United States: Current Estimate
- American Cancer Society: Cigarette Smoking
- U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health: MedlinePlus: Smoking
- American Cancer Society: Questions About Smoking, Tobacco and Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Highlights: Smoking Among Adults in the United States: Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke
