Some find smoking enjoyable, but the health dangers far outweigh the temporary pleasing feeling that comes from a nicotine fix. The tar, nicotine and hazardous chemicals in cigarette smoke attack your lungs, organs and other parts of your body. MayoClinic.com warns that more than half of all smokers will die from a smoking-related health condition.
Cancer
As many as nine out of every 10 lung cancer deaths are the result of smoking tobacco, according to MayoClinic.com. In addition to lung cancer, smokers are at an increased risk of developing cancer of the throat, mouth, stomach, lips and sinuses, reports the American Cancer Society. A smoker is even more likely to develop bladder, kidney or uterine cancer than a non-smoker.
Heart Disease
Smokers are at increased risk of heart disease and circulation disorders, advises MayoClinic.com. A person doubles his risk for having a heart attack by smoking as few as 15 cigarettes daily. Smokers are also more likely to suffer from stroke.
Other Health Dangers
Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to catch a cold, the flu or other respiratory infections. Smoking also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and dulls an individual's sense of taste and smell.
Appearance
Smokers may age quicker than non-smokers. MayoClinic.com suggests that smokers may develop early skin wrinkling, making them look older than they are. Smoking also stains fingers and teeth, leaving them yellow and unattractive.
The Unborn
Smoking during pregnancy is dangerous to the health of the baby, according to MayoClinic.com. Newborns of smoking mothers may suffer from low birth weight and their risk of dying from sudden infant death syndrome increases. In some cases, smoking may be responsible for miscarriage.
Secondhand Smoke
The smoker is not the only one who suffers from inhaling cigarette smoke. Anyone who breathes secondhand smoke is also at an increased health risk. Smokefree.gov reports that children, babies and others who live or work around smokers face an increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory disorders.
