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The Effect of Smoking on Organs

Smoking claims the lives of more than 392,000 U.S. citizens every year through diseases induced by the toxic chemicals in cigarettes, the American Lung Association reports. From the moment of inhalation, the chemicals of cigarette smoke compromise the body's vital organs.

  1. Lungs

    • Smoking breeds a toxic chemical cocktail known as tar, coating the bronchi and lungs and leading to significant health problems. The toxic chemical hydrogen cyanide irritates the bronchi lining, inducing coughing and opening the door for infection while prolonged tar and smoke in lungs over time inhibits the natural cleansing process, increasing risk for the chronic breathing disease emphysema.

    Heart

    • Smoking spikes blood pressure, putting more pressure on the heart. The chemicals in smoking also deprive the blood of oxygen, causing stress on the heart as it works harder to compensate for the deprivation. In short, smokers face an increased risk for heart disease and heart attack.

    Brain

    • The carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke binds to blood cells better than oxygen, inhibiting the important flow of oxygen to the brain, according to the Better Health Channel.

    Throat

    • The toxic tars of smoking coat the esophagus and throat, increasing the risk for esophageal cancer, according to Quit Smoking.com.

    Stomach and Abdomen

    • Smoking triggers a spike in acids in the stomach, creating the perfect environment for chronic heartburn and ulcers. Quit Smoking.com also reports in increased risk of pancreatic cancer in smokers.

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