Half of all smokers who cannot quit smoking will end up dying of a smoking-related illness, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The diseases smoking can cause are major concerns for smokers and their loved ones. The effects of the addiction permeates all areas of the body, making them susceptible to many illnesses.
Heart Disease
Smoking contributes to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, sometimes referred to as atherosclerosis, making blood clots more likely to form, according to Netdoctor, a website for health professionals and patients. Arteries supplying blood to the heart can be blocked, leading to heart attack. Smokers are twice as likely to die from heart attacks than non-smokers, the ACS says. Vessels to the brain can also be blocked from clotting, which can cause stroke.
Lung Disease
Smoking is a major factor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lung function starts to decline and leads to emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema causes constant trouble with breathing. Chronic bronchitis can cause persistent coughing and bringing up mucus that can last for periods of three or more months. Repeated hospitalization is required for COPD, a progressive disease that sometimes becomes fatal, the ACS says.
Cancer
Lung cancer is a common disease suffered by smokers. The more cigarettes you smoke a day and the longer you smoke, the greater risk you have of developing lung cancer. But smoking also contributes to cancers of the throat, esophagus, larynx, mouth, stomach, kidneys and pancreas, the ACS notes.
Impotence
Smoking contributes to narrowing blood vessels throughout the body. This includes arteries that bring blood to the penis. The narrowing of arteries can reduce blood flow and result in erectile dysfunction. Erection problems could be a sign for smokers that smoking is damaging arteries throughout the body, according to Netdoctor.
Pregnancy Trouble
Women who smoke while pregnant have a higher risk of delivering babies with abnormally low weight. Women who smoke during or after pregnancy can increase the risk of having their infant die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the National Cancer Institute says.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an age-related disease that can cause blindness. Smokers are four times more likely to develop the disease than nonsmokers, according to a study reported in the July 2007 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology. Researchers are not sure why smoking increases the risk of damaged eyesight.
Unhealthy Appearance
Smoking can cause premature wrinkling of the skin, according to the ACS. It also contributes to gum disease and causes bad breath.
