Smoking Related Diseases

Smoking causes a range of diseases, not just the lung cancer usually associated with the habit. Problems related to smoking can affect breathing and blood flow as well as the mouth and gums and many organs in the body.

Cancer

• Smoking causes a long list of cancers, including cancer of the lungs, esophagus, larynx and even the kidneys.

Breathing Problems

• Diseases related to the lungs and to breathing problems, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, are prominent in smokers.

Heart Problems

• Smokers are prone to heart disease, strokes and heart attacks, which can be debilitating or even fatal.

Mouth Diseases

• Periodontitis and oral cancer, directly related to smoking, can affect the tongue, lips and gums.

Other Diseases

• According to the American Cancer Society, smoking has also been known to cause many other problems, such as gum disease, cataracts, bone thinning, hip fractures and peptic ulcers.