The Effects of Cigarette Smoking

The effects of smoking on human health are serious and in many cases,
deadly. There are approximately 4000 chemicals in cigarettes, hundreds of
which are toxic. The ingredients in cigarettes affect everything from the
internal functioning of organs to the efficiency of the body's immune
system. The effects of cigarette smoking are destructive and widespread.
Nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds after smoke is inhaled. It has
been found in every part of the body and in breast milk.
Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing affected
cells from carrying a full load of oxygen. Smoking affects the function of
the immune system and may increase the risk for respiratory and other
infections.
There are several likely ways that cigarette smoke does its damage. One is
oxidative stress that mutates DNA, promotes atherosclerosis (otherwise
known as hardening of the arteries), and leads to chronic lung injury.
Oxidative stress is thought to be the general mechanism behind the aging
process, contributing to the development of cancer and cardiovascular
disease.The body produces antioxidants to help repair damaged cells.
Smokers have lower levels of antioxidants in their blood than do nonsmokers.
Smoking is associated with higher levels of chronic inflammation, another
damaging process that may result in oxidative stress.

Let's take a look at how cigarette smoke affects our bodies, from head to
toe. You may be surprised at some of the ways smoking has a negative impact
on our health.

Hair:

• Smell and staining

Brain and Mental Effects:

• Stroke
• Addiction/nicotine withdrawal
• Altered brain chemistry
• Anxiety about harm caused by smoking
Eyes:

• Eyes that sting, water and blink more

• Macular degeneration
• Cataracts

Nose:

• Less sense of smell

Thyroid

• Graves Disease
• Thyroid Disease

Skin:

• Wrinkles
• Premature aging

Teeth:

• Discoloration and stains

• Plaque
• Loose teeth
• Gum disease (gingivitis)

Mouth and Throat:

• Cancers of the lips, mouth, throat and larynx

• Cancer of the esophagus
• Sore throat
• Reduced sense of taste
• Breath smells of smoke

Hands:

• Poor circulation(cold fingers)

• Peripheral vascular disease
• Tar stained fingers
Respiration and Lungs:

• Lung Cancer
• COPD (includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema)
• Cough and sputum
• Shortness of breath
• Colds and flu
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Complicates Tuberculosis

Heart:

• Harms, blocks and weakens arteries of the heart

• Heart attack

Liver:

• Cancer

Abdomen:

• Stomach and duodenal ulcers

• Cancer of stomach, pancreas and colon
• Aortic aneurysm

Kidneys and bladder:

• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer

Bones:

• Osteoporosis
• Spine and hip fractures

Spine:

• Degenerative Disc Disease

Male reproduction:

• Sperm: deformity, loss of motility, reduced number

• Infertility
• Impotence

Female reproduction:

• Period pains
• Earlier menopause
• Cancer of cervix
• Infertility and delay in conception

Blood:

• Leukemia

Legs and Feet:

• Gangrene
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Beurger Disease

Immune System:

• Weakened immune system

The effects of smoking hold additional risks for women. Those who smoke
throughout their pregnancies increase the risk of:

• Spontaneous abortion/miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Abruptio placentae
• Placenta previa
• Premature rupture of the membranes
• Premature birth

Risks to the fetus include:

• Smaller infant(for gestational age)

• Stillborn infant
• Birth defects, e.g. congenital limb reduction
• Increased nicotine receptors in baby's brain
• Increased likelihood of child smoking as a teenager
• Possible predisposition to adult anxiety disorders