It is a known fact that smoking causes lung cancer, emphysema and low birth weight. However, other detrimental health affects of smoking, such as decreased circulation, high blood pressure and strokes, while not as well known, are just as deadly.
Cancer
Lung cancer is most commonly associated with smoking. However, smoking is a contributing factor in many other cancers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is responsible for cancers of the kidneys, pancreas, bladder, larynx, pharynx, cervix, stomach, esophagus, mouth, and uterus. It also causes acute myeloid leukemia. Different forms of tobacco use are responsible for different types of cancer. There is a higher rate of mouth cancer in smokeless tobacco users than in smokers.
Respiratory Disease
Aside from lung cancer, smoking wreaks havoc on your lungs. It damages the small airways in your lungs, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, otherwise known as COPD. Smoking not only affects the smoker, secondhand smoke is a danger to people around smokers. The Environmental Protection Agency website explains that secondhand smoke can lead to asthma in children. It also leads to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Children younger than 6 who are regularly exposed to smoke are at a higher risk of lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis as well as ear infections, states the EPA.
Circulatory Disease
Smoking causes constriction of blood vessels, which can lead to strokes, heart disease, hypertension and gangrene. In addition, smoking contributes to arteriosclerosis and can cause heart attacks. The CDC reports that smoking leads to coronary disease, the most common cause of death in the U.S. Smoking causes a reduction in circulation by narrowing arteries and increasing the possibility of developing vascular disease. In addition, smoking may lead to abdominal aortic aneurysm, a weakening of the aorta through the abdomen.
