Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and death worldwide. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can affect nearly every organ in the body and lead to a wide range of serious health issues. Here’s a list of health issues caused by smoking:

1. Respiratory Problems

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which cause long-term breathing problems and lung damage.

• Lung Cancer: Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 85% of cases.

• Chronic Bronchitis: Smoking irritates the airways, leading to inflammation, coughing, and mucus production.

• Emphysema: Smoking destroys the air sacs in the lungs, impairing oxygen exchange and causing shortness of breath.

2. Cardiovascular Disease

• Heart Disease: Smoking increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and stroke due to the effects of nicotine and other chemicals on the cardiovascular system.

• High Blood Pressure: Nicotine raises blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, contributing to heart disease and stroke.

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Smoking can cause narrowing of the blood vessels in the limbs, leading to poor circulation and increased risk of infection or gangrene.

3. Cancer

• Lung Cancer: Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, but it also increases the risk of many other cancers.

• Mouth, Throat, and Esophageal Cancer: Smoking damages the cells in the mouth and throat, increasing the risk of cancers in these areas.

• Pancreatic Cancer: Smokers are at significantly higher risk for pancreatic cancer.

• Bladder Cancer: Chemicals in tobacco are filtered through the kidneys and can cause cancer in the bladder.

• Kidney Cancer: Smoking increases the risk of developing kidney cancer.

• Cervical Cancer: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer in women.

• Liver Cancer: Smoking can damage the liver and increase the risk of liver cancer.

4. Weakened Immune System

• Increased Infection Risk: Smoking weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and the flu.

• Delayed Healing: Smoking impairs the body's ability to heal wounds and recover from surgeries, injuries, and illnesses.

5. Pregnancy Complications

• Premature Birth: Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

• Miscarriage: Smokers are at higher risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.

• Birth Defects: Smoking can lead to birth defects, including cleft lip and palate.

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Smoking during pregnancy or exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of SIDS.

6. Effects on Skin and Appearance

• Premature Aging: Smoking accelerates the aging of the skin, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull complexion due to reduced blood flow and oxygen to the skin.

• Psoriasis: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.

• Poor Wound Healing: Smoking reduces the ability of skin to heal properly, leading to slow recovery after injury or surgery.

7. Diabetes

• Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Smoking increases insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar and increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Complications in Diabetics: For those with diabetes, smoking worsens the risk of complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.

8. Mental Health Effects

• Increased Risk of Depression: Smoking can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and quitting smoking can actually improve mental health in many cases.

• Cognitive Decline: Long-term smoking has been associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

9. Gum Disease and Dental Problems

• Gum Disease: Smoking weakens the immune system in the mouth, leading to increased vulnerability to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral infections.

• Tooth Decay: Smoking contributes to plaque buildup and tooth decay, resulting in dental problems.

10. Reproductive Health Issues

• Infertility: Smoking can affect both male and female fertility, making it harder for women to conceive and reducing sperm quality in men.

• Erectile Dysfunction: Smoking impairs blood flow, which can lead to erectile dysfunction in men.

11. Vision Problems

• Cataracts: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye that can impair vision.

• Macular Degeneration: Smoking contributes to age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults.

12. Secondhand Smoke Exposure

• Health Risks for Others: Secondhand smoke is harmful to non-smokers, particularly children, leading to respiratory problems, developmental issues, and an increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer.