Long Term Side Effects From Smoking Tobacco

If side effects showed up in the first few weeks of smoking, probably no one would smoke. Although it's the nicotine that gets you addicted, the tobacco itself gives many parts of your body devastating long-term side effects.

Digestive System

• Smoking causes short-term and long-term heartburn, because tobacco smoke irritates the entire digestive tract, stimulating a higher acid production. Smoking also negatively affects the pancreas, which secretes hormones that help your body digest most food sources. Smoking can contribute to pancreatic cancer, as well making you far more vulnerable to getting Crohn's disease and peptic ulcers.

Circulation System

• Smoking long-term makes the blood thicker, slowing down the body's ability to deliver the energy it extracts from food via the blood stream and circulation system. Smoking also raises the blood pressure, making the heart work harder to pump the blood. In order to lessen the strain on the heart, the circulation system of a long-term smoker may stop sending energy to the fingers, toes, hair follicles or skin.

Skin and Hair

• The skin of a long-term smoker may become dry, discolored, spotted and more easily prone to wrinkles. Smoking also makes the hair become thin, brittle and hard to manage. Hair may eventually fall out.

Skeletal System

• Smoking makes it difficult for nutrients and oxygen to get to the bones and teeth, making them weaker over time. This also makes a person more at risk of getting osteoporosis or tooth loss. When long-term smokers break a bone or slip a disc, their bodies take a much longer time to heal.

Respiratory System

• The worst side effects of smoking show up in the respiratory system. Most of the chemicals in cigarettes promote cancer growth in the lungs or throat. Smoking also causes the lungs and nose to produce a lot of mucus, which can clog the lungs' airways over time, leading to persistent coughing that can permanently damage the lungs.