Cigarette smoking affects every organ in your body. Drugs.com contends that coughing, dizziness and burning eyes, nose and throat are warning signs of harm. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention--CDC--reports smoking weakens the immune system, making smokers susceptible to many diseases and disorders. CDC statistics show more deaths yearly from smoking than all deaths from HIV, illegal drugs, alcohol, motor vehicle accidents, suicide and homicide combined. Your risks increase with more frequent and longer cigarette use.
Brain, Heart, and Circulatory System
Smoking increases the heart rate and blood pressure, reports Drugs.com. It increases your risks for stroke, coronary heart disease, lung cancer, leukemia and chronic obstructive lung diseases, warns the CDC. The carbon monoxide in smoke decreases oxygen in your bloodstream, heart and other organs. Smoking increases blood clotting and damages the lining of the heart, arteries, veins and vessels states Drugs.com. The CDC explains smoking causes reduced circulation which may lead to peripheral vascular disease causing pain, tissue loss and/or gangrene in your appendages. It can cause damage to your aorta leading to a host of cardiac and circulatory problems warns the CDC. Tobacco changes the brain chemistry causing nicotine addiction and withdrawal.
Mouth, Nose, Throat and Lungs
Drugs.com reports beginning smoking at a younger age places you at a greater risk than others who begin smoking later. Smoking increases the risks of cancers of the lips, mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus and lungs, but the CDC also reports that smoking damages the lungs leading to emphysema, bronchitis and chronic airway obstructions. Smoking causes more frequent respiratory illnesses and sore throats, and complicates colds, influenza, asthma, tuberculosis and pneumonia warns Dr. Karen Larson and Dr. Stanley Swierzewski of Health Communities.com. Smokers often experience diminished smell and taste, as well as presenting an increased risk of developing dental plague and discoloration which can lead to permanent stains, loose teeth and gingivitis.
Skeleton and Abdominal Organs
Smoking weakens your skeletal system leading to fractures and breaks, osteoporosis and degenerative disc disease. Female smokers have increased risk for hip fracture warns the CDC.
Drugs.com reports cigarette smoking increases the amount of acid produced in your gastrointestinal system causing stomach and duodenal ulcers. Smokers have higher cases of Graves' and thyroid diseases and liver, stomach, pancreas, colon, kidney and bladder cancers warns the CDC.
Sexual and Reproductive Functioning
Your sexual and reproductive functioning are influenced by smoking. Males smokers can develop infertility due to damage to your sperm. Ejaculation problems and impotency are possible. Female smokers may have painful menstruation, infertility and premature menopause. The CDC reports female smokers face increased risks of cervical and uterine cancers.
Pregnancy
Smoking during pregnancy can seriously harm your health and your unborn child. You may experience an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage, premature delivery or stillbirth. Infants may have decreased birth weights, experience failure to thrive and have many birth defects and developmental delays. The CDC warns prenatal smoking increases your baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
