Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the human body, thereby causing a broad range of diseases, at least 24 of which are fatal, as well as a massive burden of chronic illness.

In the lists bellow described the diseases and other adverse health effects caused by cigarette smoking. It is important to note that, overall, males and females who smoke face similar risks for these major causes of death, although there are unique risks faced by females.The following sections focus on the major causes of death: cancers, respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Reproductive diseases are also included because of the important cross-generational effects of smoking.

List of diseases and adverse health effects caused by active cigarette smoking :

CANCERS :

  • Lung
  • Oral cavity
  • Pharynx
  • Larynx
  • Oesophagus (squamous cell carcinoma)
  • Oesophagus (adenocarcinoma)
  • Pancreas
  • Urinary bladder
  • Renal pelvis
  • Kidney (renal cell carcinoma)
  • Stomach
  • Uterine cervix
  • Granulocytic cells of bone marrow (myeoloid leukaemia)
  • Nasal cavities
  • Nasal sinuses
  • Liver

RESPIRATORY DISEASES AND ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Acute respiratory illnesses including pneumonia
  • Premature onset of and an accelerated decline in lung function
  • All major respiratory symptoms in adults, including coughing, phlegm, wheezing & dyspnoea
  • Poor asthma control

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD)
  • Cerebrovascula disease
  • Aortic aneurysm
  • Peripheral arteria

OTHER DISEASES AND ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS

  • Gastric ulcer
  • Cataract
  • Periodontitis
  • Duodenal ulcer
  • Adverse surgical outcomes related to wound healing and respiratory complications
  • Hip fracture
  • Reduced fertility in females
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Tobacco amblyopia
  • Osteoporosis

Respiratory effects in utero with maternal smoking in young people and adolescents who smoke :

  • Impaired lung growth
  • Early-onset of lung function decline
  • Respiratory symptoms including coughing, phlegm, wheezing dyspnoea
  • Asthma-related symptoms (wheezing)

Reproductive problems :

  • Pregnancy complications
  • Preterm delivery and shortened gestation
  • Foetal growth restrictions and low birth weight
  • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)