What are some long term effects of smoking?

Respiratory diseases:

* Chronic bronchitis: Long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.

* Emphysema: Destruction of the air sacs in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and reduced lung function.

* Lung cancer: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, the deadliest type of cancer.

Cardiovascular diseases:

* Coronary artery disease: Smoking damages the arteries leading to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks.

* Stroke: Smoking raises the risk of strokes by damaging the blood vessels in the brain.

* Peripheral artery disease: Smoking narrows the arteries in the legs and arms, causing pain, weakness, and numbness.

Other long-term effects:

* Increased risk of infections, including pneumonia and influenza.

* Infertility in both men and women.

* Erectile dysfunction in men.

* Dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth loss.

* Impaired immune system function.

* Cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens.

* Age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

* Skin damage, including wrinkles and premature aging.

* Reduced sense of taste and smell.

* Increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

* Increased risk of osteoporosis, a bone-weakening condition.