Short-Term Health Effects of Smoking Tobacco

Smoking tobacco has deadly consequences in the long-term as it can lead to cancer, heart diseases and other serious illnesses. But smoking can also have significant short-term effects and risks as well. These include both physiological effects, particularly relating to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and effects on a smoker's outward appearance.

Respiratory System

• In the short term, smoking tobacco has an adverse effect on a person's respiratory system. Smoking decreases lung capacity and can lead to shortness of breath. It also can cause or aggravate a number of other conditions, including coughing, sinus congestion, bronchitis and asthma.

Cardiovascular System

• Smoking tobacco can affect the cardiovascular system negatively. This can lead to certain dangers, even in the short term. Smoking causes a decrease in flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, as well as thickening of the blood. It also causes a rise in the smoker's blood pressure and heart rate. These factors raise the risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke, both in the short and long term.

Other Physiological Effects

• Smoking tobacco can have a variety of other physiological effects. It may cause the smoker to feel fatigued. It also changes cholesterol levels. It decreases the levels of high-density lipoprotein, or so-called good cholesterol, while increasing levels of low-density lipoprotein, or so-called bad cholesterol. Smoking also diminishes the sense of taste and smell. It also causes a decrease in body temperature, especially in the hands and feet

Appearance

• Smoking tobacco can negatively affect a smoker's outward appearance. The smell of the smoke can cause one's breath, clothes and hair to gain a foul smell. Tobacco can also stain a smoker's teeth and nails. It also affects the skin, making it look wrinkled and aged.