Exploring the Intersection Between Smoking and Illness

2023-11-30

Smoking is one of the most significant public health threats the world has faced. Despite widespread knowledge of its dangers, it remains a common vice. Smoking can lead to a multitude of health issues, many of which can be life-threatening. This article will delve into the various diseases associated with smoking, the complexities of each condition, and the mechanisms by which smoking inflicts damage on the body.

 

The Health Effects of Smoking 

 

Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking also increases the risk of tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Secondhand smoke exposure contributes to approximately 41,000 deaths among non-smoking adults and 400 deaths in infants each year. Secondhand smoke causes stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk due to weaker lungs, which causes acute respiratory infections like:

  • Pneumonia and bronchitis
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Middle ear disease
  • Severe asthma
  • Respiratory symptoms and slowed lung growth (1).

Babies with smoking mothers are three times more likely to develop sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) 

 

7 Smoking Associated Diseases

 

 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that causes blockage of airflow to the lungs, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking is the most common cause of COPD and may be responsible for as many as 9 out of 10 cases (2). 

 

Chemicals in smoke can irritate the airways and damage the delicate alveoli, leading to reduced lung function and breathlessness. The disease is progressive, meaning it worsens over time- and while treatments such as inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms- and slow down the progress of the disease, there is no cure.

 

Cancer

Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to more than 85% of lung cancer deaths (3). In the United Kingdom, almost 7 in 10 people with lung cancer are due to smoking. Using other tobacco products like cigars or pipes also increases the risk of lung cancer. 

Tobacco smoke is a toxic mix of more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic. At least 70 are known to cause cancer in people or animals. 

Cigarette smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body. Cigarette smoking causes cancer of the mouth and throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, voice box (larynx), trachea, bronchus, kidney and renal pelvis, urinary bladder, cervix, and acute myeloid leukemia (1). More than 15 types of cancer can be prevented when being smoke-free.

 

Stroke

A stroke happens when there is a cut-off of blood supply to part of the brain. Tobacco use increases your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Smoking contributes to plaque buildup in your arteries, increases the risk of blood clots, reduces the oxygen in your blood, and makes your heart work harder.

Smokers are two times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke and are two times more likely to die from them. People who smoke 25 cigarettes a day or more have three times the risk for heart attack or stroke and are nearly five times more likely to die of heart disease or stroke (4). 

 

Lung diseases 

The inflammatory profile of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) related to tobacco is known in certain studies, while that of the post-tuberculosis form is not yet known. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocyte cells in the sputum of COPD patients with a history of smoking or anterior tuberculosis. The enumeration of cells in samples was analyzed using standard microscopy. 

They concluded that the pathogenesis of COPD and post-Tb could be associated with pulmonary neutrophilic polynucleosis, monocytosis, and lymphocytosis, the same as in COPD and post-tobacco, with a higher level of neutrophils in COPD and post-tobacco (5).

 

Diabetes

Smoking is now proven to be an independent risk factor for diabetes, and amongst people living with the condition, it increases the risk of complications. Diabetes complications include heart disease, stroke, and circulation problems such as kidney failure and nerve damage to the foot. Further complications can increase the risk of ulceration, amputation, and blood clots. 

Smoking and diabetes both increase the risk of heart disease in very similar ways. When combined, they greatly exacerbate the chances of suffering a heart-related condition such as a heart attack or stroke. 

High levels of glucose in the blood and smoking damage the walls of the arteries in such a way that fatty deposits can build up. As this occurs, the blood vessels narrow, which makes blood circulation much harder. A heart attack can occur when this happens to the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen) (6).

Osteoporosis

Smoking can lead to weakened bones or osteoporosis because it affects the body's ability to absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones (7). Women who smoke have a higher risk of osteoporosis since they have lower bone density than men.

 

Eye Diseases and Immune System Issues

Studies show smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. One way to reduce the risk of developing AMD is by not smoking (6). Smoking while pregnant can cause bacterial meningitis in infants and can lead to vision problems from childhood.

Tobacco smoke causes your body to release all kinds of cytokines linked to chronic inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), COPD, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Smoking may also cause your body to make anti-CCP antibodies. These can lead to more severe RA in people with a gene called HLA-DRB1 (7).

 

Conclusion

The diseases associated with smoking affect nearly every organ in the body and contribute to an estimated 8 million deaths worldwide each year. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing these diseases. It’s never too late to stop, and the benefits of quitting begin almost immediately. Smoking cessation benefits individual, and their family and improves public health by reducing healthcare costs.

 

Awareness and education are crucial in combating smoking-related diseases. Individuals must understand the risks for societies and support policies and programs that promote smoking cessation. With continued effort, we can reduce the prevalence of these preventable diseases and move towards a healthier, smoke-free world.

 

By: Tayyeba Idrees Butt M. D.

 

Reviewed by: Nandini Elanchezian M. D. 

 

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