Terrible diseases caused by cigarettes

10 diseases caused by cigarettes

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a serious health problem as it is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The link between smoking and lung cancer is undeniable, with nearly 80 to 90% of cases related to this habit. Despite the often grim outlook, medical advancements have improved the prognosis for those diagnosed with this disease. The five-year survival rate, although still modest at 26.6%, shows progress in early detection and innovative treatment methods. Experts emphasize the importance of continuing research to develop more effective and personalized treatments.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

This progressive condition severely impairs breathing ability, leading to significant limitations in daily life. Initially, COPD reduces the ability to perform simple, enjoyable activities such as playing with a child and can escalate to the point where seemingly mundane tasks, like climbing a few stairs or collecting mail, become insurmountable challenges. The result is often forced isolation, depriving people of leisure time and interaction with loved ones. The link between COPD and smoking is clear: 85-90% of cases are associated with this harmful habit, highlighting the urgency of awareness campaigns for smoking cessation. As the third leading cause of death globally, COPD requires increased attention in both prevention and treatment.

Heart disease

Smoking harms the entire body, including the heart, causing blockages and narrowing of the arteries. Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease. It should be noted that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, emphasizing the need for ongoing awareness and prevention efforts. This situation underscores the importance of quitting smoking as a crucial preventive measure to protect heart health and reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases.

Stroke

Smoking, due to its harmful effects on the arteries, can be a triggering factor for cerebrovascular accident (CVA). This condition occurs when a blockage suddenly stops the blood supply to the brain, leading to oxygen deficiency and brain cell death. The consequences of a stroke can be devastating: from paralysis to cognitive disorders and even death.

Asthma

Asthma, characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, significantly complicates the breathing process. Cigarette smoke, by irritating these already sensitive pathways, can trigger acute and potentially dangerous asthma episodes. For example, in France, over 4 million people are affected by this disease, and smoking undoubtedly worsens their condition.

Decreased reproductive function

Smoking negatively impacts women's reproductive health, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy, a serious condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. This situation, incompatible with the embryo's life, can be dangerous for the woman. Additionally, smoking is associated with reduced fertility, making conception more difficult.

Smoking has very negative effects on health (photo: freepik.com)

Premature birth

Smoking during pregnancy poses a serious risk to newborn health, significantly increasing the likelihood of premature births and low birth weight. These conditions create high risks of health complications for infants and raise the chances of neonatal mortality. Premature or low birth weight babies are more likely to face long-term health problems.

Type 2 diabetes

Smoking significantly raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with smokers having a 30-40% higher chance of suffering from this chronic disease compared to non-smokers. Beyond diagnosis, smoking exacerbates diabetes-related complications, such as heart and kidney pathologies and circulation disorders leading to severe infections and potential amputations, blindness, and nerve damage.

Blindness and cataracts

Smoking directly affects eye health, increasing the risk of blindness. It is a recognized risk factor for diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the latter being the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 65.

Smoking and multiple cancer risks

Smoking is a significant risk factor for more than a dozen types of cancer, including colorectal, cervical, liver, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. In individuals already diagnosed with cancer, smoking increases the risk of developing a second primary cancer, underscoring the devastating impact of tobacco on the body. Research has established that smoking is responsible for a wide range of cancers, negatively affecting survival rates, including in patients with prostate cancer.

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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.