What parts of your body does smoking affect?
Smoking affects nearly every organ in the body, including:
- Lungs: Smoking damages the lungs and airways, causing inflammation and scarring. This can lead to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.
- Heart and blood vessels: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
- Brain: Smoking can damage the brain, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and an increased risk of stroke.
- Eyes: Smoking can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases.
- Mouth and throat: Smoking can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer.
- Skin: Smoking can damage the skin, causing wrinkles, sagging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
- Reproductive system: Smoking can affect fertility and increase the risk of erectile dysfunction in men and premature menopause in women.
- Stomach and intestines: Smoking can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
- Kidneys: Smoking can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney disease.
- Bones: Smoking can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis.