Health effects of smoking
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Smoking and Increased Risk of Disease and Mortality
Cigarette smoking is strongly linked to higher rates of illness and early death. It is a major cause of several cancers, including those of the lung, mouth, larynx, bladder, and kidney, and it also contributes to cancers of the pancreas, stomach, cervix, liver, penis, and rectum Sherman2006Cb1991Rifkin2014+1 MORE. Smoking is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and diseases of the blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease Sherman2006Cb1991Rifkin2014+3 MORE. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is most commonly caused by smoking Sherman2006Cb1991Rifkin2014+3 MORE.
Respiratory and Systemic Health Effects of Smoking
Smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer, COPD, and asthma in adults, and it also raises the risk of asthma, wheezing, and lower respiratory infections in children exposed to secondhand smoke Sherman2006Cb1991Rifkin2014+3 MORE. Smokers often have lower lung function and more respiratory symptoms and infections Sherman2006Cb1991Yanbaeva2007+1 MORE. Smoking also causes a low-grade, long-lasting inflammation in the body, shown by higher levels of markers like C-reactive protein and white blood cells, and it disrupts blood clotting and blood vessel function .
Effects on Pregnancy, Fertility, and Children
Women who smoke during pregnancy face a higher risk of complications, especially babies with restricted growth in the womb Sherman2006Cb1991Rifkin2014. Smoking also reduces female fertility and increases the risk of premature delivery . Children exposed to secondhand smoke have more frequent lower respiratory illnesses and reduced lung growth Sherman2006Cb1991Jayes2016.
Mental Health, Chronic Pain, and Quality of Life
Smoking is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, and it also affects mental health. People living with smokers have a higher risk of heart disease and lung cancer, and the economic costs of treating smoking-related diseases are very high . Among people with chronic pain, smokers report worse pain, poorer physical function, more sleep problems, and higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to non-smokers. Smoking also predicts poorer recovery and less improvement over time in these patients .
Passive Smoking and Secondhand Smoke Risks
Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in adults and raises the risk of asthma, respiratory infections, and reduced lung function in children Sherman2006Cb1991Ghodse2007+1 MORE. There is also evidence that secondhand smoke may increase the risk of death from heart disease in adults Sherman2006Cb1991.
Smoking, Nicotine, and Other Tobacco Constituents
Most of the harmful health effects of smoking are caused by substances in tobacco smoke other than nicotine. While nicotine itself may have some effects, the main risks for diseases like lung cancer, COPD, and heart disease come from the other chemicals in tobacco smoke .
Dose-Response and Comprehensive Health Risks
The risk of disease increases with the amount and duration of smoking. Strong evidence links smoking to at least eight major health outcomes, with weaker evidence for many others. The health risks of smoking are clear and well-documented, making it a major target for public health efforts Rifkin2014Fielding1985Dai2022.
Conclusion
Smoking is one of the most significant preventable causes of disease and early death. It increases the risk of many cancers, heart and lung diseases, pregnancy complications, and worsens mental and physical health. Secondhand smoke also poses serious risks, especially to children. Most of the harm comes from the toxic substances in tobacco smoke, not just nicotine. Quitting smoking can reverse many of these effects, but some risks may persist for years. Reducing smoking remains a top priority for improving public health worldwide.
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