HOW SMOKING CAN AFFECT YOU AND YOUR HEALTH

Staining & Smell

Brain and Mental effects

Stroke

Addiction/Nicotine Withdrawal

Altered Brain chemistry

Eyes

Watering and Blinking excessively

 Macular degeneration

Cataracts

Nose

Loss 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

Leukaemia

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