Tobacco Use and Systemic Diseases: A Comprehensive Overview

Tobacco use is a leading cause of numerous systemic diseases, affecting nearly every organ in the body. Despite widespread awareness of its dangers, smoking remains a prevalent habit worldwide. Understanding the broad impact of tobacco use on health is crucial for both smokers and non-smokers. Here’s a detailed look at how smoking affects various systems in the body and why quitting is the best decision you can make for your health.

1️⃣ Cardiovascular Disease
Cigarette smoke damages the lining of blood vessels, initiating the process of atherosclerosis—plaque buildup that blocks blood vessels. This leads to various forms of heart disease, including:

Angina (chest pain)
Heart attack
Irregular heartbeats
Stroke
Sudden death

In 2011, smoking was responsible for an estimated 174,500 deaths from cardiovascular diseases and 46,000 deaths from exposure to secondhand smoke.

2️⃣ Lung Diseases
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of respiratory diseases in the United States, resulting in over 84,000 deaths from conditions such as:

Bronchitis
Emphysema
Pneumonia
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Smoking directly causes over 90% of lung cancers, and secondhand smoke leads to 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually in non-smokers. One study estimates that 17% of lung cancer in non-smokers is due to exposure to tobacco smoke during childhood.

3️⃣ Gastrointestinal Diseases
Smoking is associated with an increased risk for several gastrointestinal conditions, including:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gallstones
Stomach ulcers
Cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, and colon

4️⃣ Arthritis and Bone Disease
Smoking increases the risk for rheumatoid arthritis and accelerates bone loss, especially in postmenopausal women. Smokers have less bone mass compared to non-smokers, and the rate of bone loss is more rapid.

5️⃣ Eye Disorders
Smoking increases the risk for:

Cataracts
Age-related macular degeneration

6️⃣ Depression and Mental Health
Smokers are more likely to suffer from:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Bulimia
Attention-deficit disorders
Alcohol abuse
Schizophrenia

7️⃣ Specific Concerns for Women Who Smoke
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in females, with a 600% increase in lung cancer deaths among smoking females since 1950. In 2015 alone, 71,000 women died from lung cancer. Other risks for women who smoke include:

Increased risk of infertility and spontaneous abortion
Complications during pregnancy, such as pre-term delivery, stillbirth, and lower birth weight
Decreased lung function in the developing child

Why Should I Quit Smoking?
Quitting smoking is the most important step you can take to improve your overall health. It is NEVER too late to quit.

Here are some benefits of quitting:

Lengthen your life expectancy
Decrease your risk of various diseases, including lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, heart disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, reflux, erectile and sexual dysfunction, kidney disease, and more.
Reduce your risk of respiratory and anesthesia complications during surgery and lower the risk of infection or re-admission after an operation.
Decrease the chance of your children becoming sick (respiratory and ear infections are much more common among children exposed to secondhand smoke).
Feel healthier (you’ll cough less, have fewer sore throats and stuffy noses, and experience increased energy levels and exercise tolerance).
Improve your senses of taste and smell.
Enhance your personal life (smoking causes erectile dysfunction and overall sexual dysfunction).
Improve your appearance (smoking causes wrinkles, stained teeth, and dull skin).
Save money – a one-pack-per-day habit costs approximately $2,200 per year.

The decision to quit smoking can transform your life in numerous positive ways. The health benefits begin almost immediately and continue to improve over time. If you’re a smoker, consider taking the step to quit today—your body and mind will thank you.