Heavy tobacco use, once associated only with lung disease, is now known to cause many types of health problems. According to the U.S. Surgeon General's 2004 report, smoking cigarettes can cause health problems in nearly every human organ. Smoking affects the bones and immune system, the blood and neurological system. Because many smoking-related health complications can be life threatening, the strong physical addiction to the nicotine in cigarettes may be the most dangerous effect of smoking.
Cancers
Health complications from cancer and its treatment can cause pain, weakness and eventually death. According to the surgeon general's report, smokers' bodies produce fewer antioxidants, which aid the immune system in protecting against cancer. This may be why heavy tobacco use causes as many as nine out of 10 male deaths from lung cancer.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also cite smoking cigarettes as a proven cause of leukemia, or cancer of the blood or bone marrow, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, cervix and uterus. Diseases believed to be associated with smoking include liver, prostate and colorectal cancers.
Respiratory Illness
Heavy tobacco use damages the bronchial airways and the alveoli in the lungs. This can lead to chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lowered immunity may increase smokers' risks for respiratory infections, so they may suffer from more frequent colds and allergy-related health problems. The vocal chords can be harmed by too much smoke, resulting in a permanently hoarse voice.
Heart Disease
Smoking cigarettes raises blood pressure and damages blood vessels, increasing smokers' risks for atherosclerosis. Health complications from high blood pressure and low exercise tolerance increase the chance for blood clots, heart attack, stroke and aortic aneurysm.
Low Bone Density
Most people don't associate heavy tobacco use with bone fractures, but the surgeon general's 2001 research findings do, at least among the female population that was studied. The 2004 report states that bone density was found to be lower and the risk for hip fracture higher in smokers than in women who had never smoked.
Skin Conditions
Internal health problems may be reflected in the poor skin condition of smokers. The American Academy of Dermatology relates that smoking 10 cigarettes a day for 10 years increases the chances for skin to become deeply wrinkled and leathery in texture. Skin may turn yellowish after years of smoke exposure. Smoking cigarettes at a young age also accelerates the effects of aging, with microscopic wrinkling documented in smokers only 20 years old.
