Health Risks of Smoking: A Comprehensive Overview of Harm

Major Disease Categories

1. Cardiovascular Diseases

• Coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction
• Stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic)
• Peripheral artery disease
• Aortic aneurysm

2. Respiratory Diseases

• COPD (chronic bronchitis, emphysema)
• Lung cancer (leading cancer death cause)
• Asthma exacerbation
• Tuberculosis susceptibility

3. Cancers

• Lung, larynx, oral cavity, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, kidney, cervix, stomach, liver, colorectal, acute myeloid leukemia.

4. Reproductive & Developmental

• Reduced fertility (both sexes)
• Pregnancy: preterm birth, low birth weight, placental abruption, SIDS
• Erectile dysfunction

5. Other Systems

• Oral: Periodontitis, tooth loss, oral cancer.
• Skin: Premature aging, delayed wound healing, psoriasis flare.
• Bone: Osteoporosis, hip fracture.
• Eyes: Cataracts, age-related macular degeneration.
• Ears: Hearing loss.
• Immune: Impaired defense, autoimmune flares.
• Diabetes: Worsens insulin resistance; accelerates complications.

Benefits of Quitting

Risk reduction begins within hours (CO, heart rate); within years, approaches never-smoker levels for many conditions. Cessation support (counseling + FDA-approved meds) doubles success rates.