18/02/2026
Smoking causes extensive damage to nearly every organ in the body, primarily by introducing over 70 known carcinogens and toxic chemicals that damage DNA, cause chronic inflammation, and restrict oxygen flow. Major effects include a significantly increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, COPD, infertility, and various other cancers
Key Effects of Smoking on the Body:
Respiratory System: Damages airways and air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It hampers cilia, reducing the body's ability to clear infections.
Cardiovascular System: Raises blood pressure, increases heart rate, and makes blood more likely to clot. It damages blood vessels and causes plaque buildup, doubling the risk of heart attack and increasing stroke risk.
Cancer Risk: Smoking causes cancer in the lungs, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and stomach.
Immune System: Suppresses immune function, making smokers more susceptible to infections like pneumonia, flu, and COVID-19.
Skin, Hair, and Appearance: Accelerates skin aging, causing wrinkles, and stains teeth and fingers.
Digestive System: Increases the risk of peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and pancreatitis.
Reproductive System: Causes fertility issues, erectile dysfunction, and increases risks of pregnancy complications.
Bone and Joint Health: Increases the risk of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and back pain.
Benefits of Quitting
The body begins to heal almost immediately, with pulse rates returning to normal within 20 minutes of quitting. After one year, the risk of heart disease is reduced by half, and after 15 years, it is similar to that of a non-smoker.
