The smoke from cigarettes contains several substances that affect the gas exchange system and the cardiovascular system
Heart and blood vessel problems: Blood clots and weakness in the walls of blood vessels in the brain, which can lead to stroke Blood clots in the legs, which may travel to the lungs Coronary artery disease, including angina and heart attack Temporarily increased blood pressure after smoking Poor blood supply to the legs Problems with erections because of decreased blood flow into the penis Other health risks or problems: Cancer (more likely in the lung, mouth, larynx, nose and sinuses, throat, esophagus, stomach, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, colon, and rectum) Poor wound healing after surgery Lung problems, such as COPD, or asthma that is harder to control Problems during pregnancy, such as babies born at a low birth weight, early labor, losing your baby, and cleft lip Decreased ability to taste and smell Harm to sperm, which may lead to infertility Loss of sight due to an increased risk of macular degeneration Tooth and gum diseases Wrinkling of the skin Smokers who switch to smokeless tobacco instead of quitting tobacco still have health risks: Increased risk for cancer of the mouth, tongue, esophagus, and pancreas Gum problems, tooth wear, and cavities Worsening high blood pressure and angina HEALTH RISKS OF SECONDHAND SMOKE Those who are often around the smoke of others (secondhand smoke) have a higher risk for: Heart attack and heart disease Lung cancer Sudden and severe reactions, including of the eye, nose, throat, and lower respiratory tract Infants and children who are often exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk for: Asthma flares (children with asthma who live with a smoker are much more likely to visit the emergency room) Infections of the mouth, throat, sinuses, ears, and lungs Lung damage (poor lung function) Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Like any addiction, quitting tobacco is difficult, especially if you are doing it alone
If you are unfamiliar with the risks of chewing tobacco, you need to learn the risks so that you can start the process of quitting today
5,6 Effects of Smokeless Tobacco in the Oral Cavity Smokeless tobacco has damaging effects on the teeth and gingiva
