About 18 percent of all deaths in the U.S. are caused by smoking-related illnesses. Lung diseases are common among smokers including chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and lung cancer. The heart and blood vessels are also vulnerable to smoking-related illnesses, and a number of cancers outside the lung are more common in smokers than in nonsmokers. Stopping or avoiding smoking is one of the most beneficial actions you can take to enhance your health.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this condition, chronic inflammation damages the air sacs of the lungs. The damaged air sacs coalesce causing enlarged air spaces with decreased capacity for gas exchange. The result is shortness of breath. Airflow obstruction occurs because damaged air sacs lose their elastic character and cannot hold the airways open as they normally would. Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema.
Chronic Bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Bronchitis
According to "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals," chronic bronchitis is a productive cough (one that produces phlegm) that occurs on most days of the week and lasts for at least 3 months in 2 consecutive years. Chronic bronchitis is often called smoker's cough because it most commonly occurs in smokers. Overproduction of mucus causes the cough of chronic bronchitis. Airway swelling may also occur. When airway swelling is significant, airflow obstruction occurs. This condition is called chronic obstructive bronchitis, a form of COPD. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of both chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive bronchitis.
Coronary Heart Disease
The American Heart Association reports smokers have a 2 to 4-fold higher risk of coronary heart disease compared to nonsmokers. Tobacco smoking adversely affects the heart both directly and indirectly. It increases blood pressure and the risk of blood clot formation while decreasing HDL-cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Circulating nicotine also causes transient artery narrowing. The increased risk of coronary heart disease can be greatly reduced if you stop smoking.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease is the presence of plaques in the arteries of the extremities, especially the legs. The plaques narrow the lumen of the arteries leading to decreased blood flow and delivery of vital oxygen and nutrients to the extremities. With severe peripheral arterial disease, walking becomes difficult as pain is produced due to an inadequate oxygen supply. Smoking increases the risk of peripheral arterial disease.
Cataracts
Smoking increases the risk of cataracts. With this condition, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy causing visual difficulty. Without surgical intervention, cataracts can cause blindness. If you stop smoking, your risk of cataracts will decrease over time.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Most lung cancer occurs in smokers or former smokers. Tobacco smoke contains many cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) that damage the cells lining the lungs thereby increasing the risk of lung cancer development. Stopping smoking reduces your lung cancer risk.
Esophageal Cancer
Smoking is a major risk factor for esophageal cancer. The American Cancer Society states the risk of esophageal cancer doubles for a 1-pack per day smoker compared to a nonsmoker.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer risk is increased by cigarette smoking. The risk is dependent on the intensity of smoking (how many cigarettes per day) and the duration (the number of years smoking).
Urinary Bladder Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is the greatest risk factor for urinary bladder cancer. Roughly half of all bladder cancer deaths in American men and one-third of those in women are attributed to smoking.
References
- "Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease, 5th Edition"; Ramzi S. Cotran, M.D., et al, Editors; 1994
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What is COPD?
- Merck Manual: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- American Heart Association: Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Disease
- American Heart Association: Cigarette Smoking and Cardiovascular Diseases
