Smoking negatively affects almost every organ in the body. Its damage is both immediate and long-term, leading to chronic diseases, cancer, and reduced life expectancy.
1. Effects on the Respiratory System
Smoking damages the lungs early and progressively.
While nicotine may provide temporary relaxation, it worsens long-term mental well-being.
Addiction and withdrawal cycles
Increased stress and irritability
Higher risk of anxiety and depression
Stronger cravings that affect mood and focus
9. Secondhand Smoke Effects
Even non-smokers near cigarette smoke face health risks:
Asthma attacks
Lung cancer
Heart disease
Increased risks for pregnant women and infants
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
Quitting has immediate and lifelong benefits:
Heart rate improves within minutes
Lung function improves in weeks
Stroke and heart attack risks drop in months
Cancer risks decrease over years
Longer life expectancy and improved quality of life
OTHER SOURCES
Smokers have a harder time healing from surgeries, and have more overall health issues than do nonsmokers. This results in more time away from work, and more doctor and hospital visits. Smoking compromises a person's health in so many ways.
* Smokers are more likely to be absent from work than nonsmokers, and their illnesses last longer.
* Smokers tend to incur more medical costs, to see physicians more often in the outpatient setting, and to be admitted to the hospital more often and for longer periods than nonsmokers.
* Smokers have a lower survival rate after surgery compared to that of nonsmokers because of damage to the body's host defenses, delayed wound healing, and reduced immune response. Smokers are at greater risk for complications following surgery, including wound infections, postoperative pneumonia, and other respiratory complications.
* Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can result in the loss of teeth and bone loss. Smoking is causally related to periodontitis. This may be because smoking affects the body's
ability to fight infection and repair tissue.
* Peptic ulcers, which are located in the digestive tract (stomach and duodenum), usually occur in people with an infection caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Among persons with this infection, smokers are more likely to develop peptic ulcers than nonsmokers. In severe cases, peptic ulcers can lead to death.
* Although only a small number of studies have looked at the relationship between smoking and erectile dysfunction, their findings suggest that smoking may be associated with an increased risk for this condition. More studies are needed, however, before researchers can conclude that the effect of smoking is causally related to erectile dysfunction.
Increased stress cycle (temporary relief followed by craving)
Difficulty concentrating when craving
Possible link to anxiety and depression worsening over time
Benefits of Quitting
Heart and lung function begin improving within days to weeks
Lower risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke
Longer life expectancy
Better breathing, smell, taste, and energy
Improved appearance and self-esteem
Money savings and better quality of life
Effects of tobacco smoke
Tar in cigarettes coats the lungs and can cause lung and throat cancer in smokers. It is also responsible for the yellow–brown staining on smokers' fingers and teeth. Carbon monoxide in cigarettes robs the muscles, brain and blood of oxygen, making the whole body — especially the heart — work harder.
Over time this causes airways to narrow and blood pressure to rise, and can lead to heart attack and stroke. High levels of CO, together with nicotine, increase the risk of heart disease, hardening of the arteries and other circulatory problems. A first-time smoker will often feel dizzy and sick.
‘Light’ or ‘low tar’ cigarettes
Research has shown that there is little difference between the amount of chemicals inhaled by people who smoke ‘light’ or ‘low tar’ cigarettes and those who smoke regular cigarettes. People who smoke ‘light’ cigarettes have the same risk of developing smoking-related diseases as people who smoke regular cigarettes.
Immediate effects
Soon after smoking tobacco, the following effects may be experienced:
* initial stimulation, then reduction in brain and nervous system activity;
* enhanced alertness and concentration;
* mild euphoria;
* feelings of relaxation;
* increased blood pressure and heart rate;
* decreased blood flow to body extremities like the fingers and toes;
* dizziness, nausea, watery eyes and acid in the stomach; and
* decreased appetite, taste and smell.
Overdose
Although rare, it is possible to overdose on the nicotine in tobacco. Very large doses of nicotine can result in an increase in the unpleasant effects, including feelings of faintness and confusion,
and a rapid decrease in blood pressure and breathing rate.
In some cases, it can lead to convulsions and death from respiratory failure. 60 milligrams of nicotine taken orally can be fatal for an adult.
Long-term effects
It is estimated that more than 140,000 hospital episodes and 19,000 deaths in Australia can be attributed to tobacco use every year. The principal diagnoses are cancer, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Passive smoking
Passive smoking can cause a number of health problems including heart disease, lung cancer and irritation of the eyes and nose. It involves breathing in tobacco smoke from other people's cigarettes:
smoke that has been exhaled or smoke from the end of a lit cigarette.
50 Australians die every day from smoking, compared to 10 who die from alcohol-related conditions and 4 who die as a result of road accidents. Tolerance and dependence
People who use tobacco tend to develop a tolerance to the effects of the nicotine in the tobacco very quickly. This means they need to smoke more and more in order to get the same effect.
With repeated use of tobacco, the risk of dependence on nicotine is high. Dependence on nicotine can be physiological, psychological or both.
People who are physically dependent on nicotine find their body has become used to functioning with the nicotine present and may experience withdrawal symptoms when they reduce their nicotine intake.
People who are psychologically dependent on nicotine may find they feel an urge to smoke when they are in specific surroundings, such as at the pub, or in particular situations such as during their lunch break or socialising with friends.
Research has shown that smoking is often associated with different roles and meanings for smokers, including the following.:
* Social roles, such as enjoyment of the company of friends, the drinking of coffee or alcohol, and promoting social confidence and feelings of independence (particularly for young women).
*Emotional roles — caring for the self, such as helping to deal with stress and anxiety, weight control and providing ‘companionship’.
* Temporal roles, such as connecting the flow of events or time in the smoker's day, providing a break from work or activities and relieving boredom.This may be why smoking is sometimes referred to as the most difficult drug to give up.
Withdrawal
If a person who is dependent on the nicotine in tobacco suddenly stops using it or reduces the amount they use, they will experience withdrawal symptoms because their body has to readjust to functioning without the drug.
Most of these symptoms will disappear within days or weeks of quitting smoking, but cravings may persist for years after stopping using tobacco.
Symptoms include:
* cravings;
* irritability, agitation, depression and anxiety;
* insomnia and disturbed sleeping patterns;
* increased appetite and weight gain;
* restlessness and loss of concentration;
* headaches;
* coughing and sore throat;
* body aches and pains; and
* stomach and bowel upsets.
Smoking among seniors refers to the continued use of tobacco products — including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, and chewing tobacco — among older adults, typically age 60 and above. While smoking is often associated with younger or middle-aged populations, a significant number of seniors remain active smokers or experience long-term health effects from decades of tobacco use. In some cases, older adults may even resume smoking due to life transitions, loneliness, chronic stress, or mental health struggles.
Reasons Seniors May Continue Smoking
Long-term Habit Formation
Many seniors began smoking decades ago, during a time when tobacco was widely accepted socially and advertising glamorized smoking. Over time, the behavior became deeply ingrained and more difficult to quit.
Nicotine Dependence
Nicotine addiction can be powerful and persistent, especially after many years of repeated exposure. Seniors may feel it is “too late” to quit or fear withdrawal symptoms.
Misconceptions About Quitting
Some older adults believe that quitting later in life won’t make a difference, which is not true — quitting at any age improves health and extends lifespan.
Health Risks Specific to Older Adults
While smoking is harmful at any age, seniors face particular medical concerns:
Gradual reduction plans if quitting abruptly feels overwhelming
Healthy routine substitutions like sugar-free mints, herbal tea, deep breathing
Social and Community Considerations
Smoking among seniors can also be linked to social isolation, limited mobility, lack of awareness about support programs, or living environments (such as long-term care facilities) where smoking areas are easily accessible. Community education, family involvement, and compassionate support play important roles in motivating seniors to quit.
Conclusion
Smoking among seniors remains a public health concern due to long-standing habits, addiction, and emotional factors. However, quitting smoking at any age offers significant physical, mental, and social benefits. Support systems focused on empathy, health education, and accessible cessation programs can help older adults achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Seniors face increased risks associated with smoking which include hip fractures, cataracts, and COPD. It's never too late to quit smoking. The health benefits of cessation start within minutes of the last cigarette.
Smoking reduces bone density among menopausal women.
Smoking is casually related to an increased risk for hip fractures in men and women.
Of the 850,000 fractures among those over age 65 in the United States each year, 300,000 are hip fractures. Persons with a hip fracture are 12% to 20% more likely to die than those without a hip fracture. Estimated costs related to hip fractures range from $7 billion to $10 billion each year.
Smoking is related to nuclear cataracts of the lens of the eye, the most common type of cataract in the United States. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide and a leading cause of visual loss in the United States. Smokers have two to three times the risk of developing cataracts as nonsmokers.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is consistently among the top 10 most common chronic health conditions and among the top 10 conditions that limit daily activities. Prevalence of COPD is highest in men and women 65 years of age and older (16.7% among men and 12.6% among women).
Lung cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can interfere with breathing and may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
When these chemicals enter the lungs, they damage the DNA in lung cells. Over time, repeated exposure causes mutations that can lead to uncontrolled cancer cell growth.
Types of Lung Cancer Linked to Smoking
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
The most common type, slowly developing but still deadly.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Very aggressive and fast-spreading; strongly associated with long-term smoking.
Combining smoking with alcohol, pollution, or occupational chemicals
Common Signs and Symptoms
Lung cancer may not cause symptoms early, but later symptoms include:
Persistent cough or “smoker’s cough”
Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Coughing up blood
Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
Frequent lung infections (pneumonia, bronchitis)
Hoarseness of voice
Complications
Difficulty breathing
Spread (metastasis) to bones, brain, liver, or lymph nodes
Severe infections
Respiratory failure
Death
Can Quitting Smoking Reduce Risk?
Yes. Quitting smoking:
Lowers lung cancer risk significantly, even after years of smoking
Reduces further DNA damage
Helps lung cells repair to some degree
Improves response to treatment if cancer occurs
However, the risk never returns completely to that of someone who never smoked — which is why early quitting matters most.
Prevention Tips
Stop smoking as early as possible
Avoid secondhand smoke
Get regular medical check-ups
Maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle
Conclusion
Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, and the disease is often fatal. The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage lung cells, leading to DNA mutations and tumor growth. Quitting at any age reduces the risk and greatly improves long-term health.
When individuals consider cancers linked to smoking, lung cancer is invariably the first that comes to mind. The majority of lung cancer fatalities, nearly 90% in men and 80% in women, are attributed to cigarette smoking. Additionally, there are numerous other types of cancer associated with smoking, including cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, bladder, stomach, cervix, kidney, pancreas, and acute myeloid leukemia. The list of permitted additives in cigarette production comprises 599 potential ingredients. Upon combustion, cigarette smoke releases over 4000 chemicals, with more than 40 recognized as carcinogens.
* Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death and was one of the initial diseases directly linked to smoking.
* Lung cancer stands as the primary cause of cancer-related deaths, with cigarette smoking responsible for the majority of cases.
* In comparison to nonsmokers, male smokers are approximately 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer, while female smokers are about 13 times more likely. Smoking accounts for roughly 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and nearly 80% in women.
* In 2003, it was estimated that 171,900 new lung cancer cases were diagnosed, resulting in approximately 157,200 deaths from the disease.
* The 2004 Surgeon General's report provides further evidence supporting earlier findings that smoking is a cause of cancers affecting the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, lung, and bladder.
* Carcinogenic substances present in tobacco smoke harm crucial genes that regulate cell growth, leading to abnormal growth or excessive reproduction of cells.
* Cigarette smoking is a significant contributor to esophageal cancer in the United States. Decreasing smoking and smokeless tobacco usage could avert many of the estimated 12,300 new cases and 12,100 deaths from esophageal cancer that occur each year.
* The interplay of smoking and alcohol consumption is responsible for the majority of laryngeal cancer cases. In 2003, an estimated 3800 deaths were attributed to laryngeal cancer.
* In 2003, approximately 57,400 new bladder cancer cases were identified, with an estimated 12,500 fatalities resulting from the disease.
* The risk of cancers attributable to smoking typically escalates with the quantity of cigarettes consumed and the duration of smoking, and it generally diminishes after complete cessation.
* Smoking cigarettes with a lower tar yield does not significantly lessen the risk of lung cancer.
* Cigarette smoking heightens the likelihood of developing cancers of the mouth. This risk is also elevated among individuals who smoke pipes and cigars.
* A decrease in the number of individuals who smoke cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and other tobacco products, or who use smokeless tobacco, could avert the majority of the estimated 30,200 new cases and 7,800 fatalities from oral cavity and pharynx cancers each year in the United States.
New cancers identified in this report:
* The 2004 Surgeon General's report has newly recognized additional cancers linked to smoking, including those of the stomach, cervix, kidney, pancreas, and acute myeloid leukemia.
* In 2003, approximately 22,400 new stomach cancer cases were diagnosed, with an estimated 12,100 deaths anticipated.
* Individuals who have quit smoking exhibit lower rates of stomach cancer compared to those who continue to smoke.
* For women, the risk of cervical cancer escalates with the length of time spent smoking.
* In 2003, around 31,900 new kidney cancer cases were diagnosed, resulting in an estimated 11,900 deaths from the disease.
* In 2003, it was estimated that 30,700 new cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed, leading to 30,000 deaths. The average duration from diagnosis to death for pancreatic cancer is approximately 3 months.
* In 2003, roughly 10,500 cases of acute myeloid leukemia were diagnosed in adults.
* Benzene is recognized as a causative agent of acute myeloid leukemia, and cigarette smoke is a primary source of benzene exposure. Among smokers in the U.S., 90% of benzene exposure is derived from cigarettes.
Smoking continues to be the foremost cause of preventable mortality and adversely affects health at every stage of life. It poses risks to unborn babies, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
Smoking affects almost every organ in the human body. The chemicals in tobacco smoke — including nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar — cause damage that can be immediate, long-lasting, and often irreversible.
🫁 1. Respiratory System
Irritation of airways, persistent coughing, and mucus buildup
Destruction of cilia (airway cleaners), leading to infections
The impact of smoking on human health is severe and often fatal. Cigarettes contain around 4000 chemicals, many of which are harmful. These substances influence everything from the internal operations of organs to the effectiveness of the immune system. The consequences of cigarette smoking are both destructive and far-reaching.
* Nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds of inhalation. It has been detected in all body parts, including breast milk.
* Carbon monoxide attaches to hemoglobin in red blood cells, hindering these cells from transporting a full supply of oxygen.
* Carcinogenic substances in tobacco smoke damage crucial genes that regulate cell growth, leading to abnormal growth or excessive reproduction of cells.
* The carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene attaches to cells in the airways and major organs of smokers.
* Smoking impairs immune system function and may elevate the risk of respiratory and other infections.
* There are several probable mechanisms through which cigarette smoke inflicts damage. One such mechanism is oxidative stress, which mutates DNA, encourages atherosclerosis, and results in chronic lung injury. Oxidative stress is believed to be a fundamental process in aging, contributing to the onset of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and COPD.
* The body generates antioxidants to assist in repairing damaged cells. Smokers exhibit lower levels of antioxidants in their bloodstream compared to nonsmokers.
* Smoking correlates with increased levels of chronic inflammation, another harmful process that may lead to oxidative stress.
