10 Most Significant Diseases Caused by Smoking/Tobacco

As per the WHO data, the tobacco is responsible for killing over 8 million individuals in a year globally, making it one of the biggest public health threats in the world. Over 7 million of these deaths are caused due to direct tobacco usage, while approximately 1.2 million are because of passive smoking.

Understanding the important diseases caused by smoking can help increase awareness and make healthy lifestyle choices. Illustrated below is a detailed account related to diseases caused by smoking. Read on to know more!

Team Digit

Causes of Diseases
List of Diseases
Signs and Symptoms
How to Diagnose?
Treatment Methods
Preventive Measures
Does Health Insurance Cover
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Causes of Smoking and Tobacco Diseases?

Cigarettes carry harmful constituents that damage blood vessels, lowering the immune system's functionality as a whole. When tobacco is smoked or chewed, it discharges into the body nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, through which chemicals such as those destroy cells, tissues, and organ systems, leading to chronic conditions.

Users find it very difficult to stop using these harmful products because they contain addictive substances like nicotine. The use of tobacco for long periods results in severe health problems such as cancer, respiratory disorders, and heart.

10 What Are the Various Diseases Caused By Smoking and Tobacco?

Given below is a list of diseases caused by smoking and tobacco -

1. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an obstructive lung ailment that makes it difficult for the patients to breathe. It leads to severe long-term disability and early death.

Initially, COPD patients find it hard to stay active in activities such as playing. The conditions usually worsen later on – patients find it almost impossible even to climb a short flight of stairs. Around 80% of all COPD occurs because of cigarette smoking. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the fourth leading reason of death in the United States.

COPD is one of the diseases caused by tobacco use and can lead to several complications in the body, such as -

High blood pressure in lung arteries
Respiratory infections
Depression
Heart problems

The various risk factors of COPD are listed below -

Genetics
Occupational exposure to chemicals and dust
Exposure to fumes generated from burning of fuel
Asthma
Smoking

2. Cancer

Is “which disease is caused by smoking” your search query?

Read on to know about one of the life-threatening diseases caused by smoking!

Cigarette smoking is the top risk factor for lung cancer and is responsible for around 87% of deaths due to lung cancer. An individual diagnosed with lung cancer has a chance of lower than 1 in 5 to still stay alive five years after diagnosis.

Besides lung cancer, tobacco is responsible for causing several other types of cancer. These include cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal), pancreas, stomach, bladder, larynx, liver, blood (acute myeloid leukaemia), cervix, oesophagus, oropharynx (includes parts of the soft palate, tonsils, throat, and tongue), ureter and kidney, bronchus, and trachea.

Cancer can lead to several complications in the body. Some of these are -

Difficulty in breathing
Chemical imbalances in the body like frequent urination, constipation, excessive thirst, and confusion
Unusual immune system reactions in the body
Nervous system and brain problems

Some factors increase the risk of cancer in an individual. These include -

Family history
Lifestyle habits of an individual
Age of an individual
Certain chronic health conditions like ulcerative colitis
Harmful chemicals like benzene and asbestos present in the environment around an individual
Smoking

3. Stroke

Since smoking affects the arteries, it can lead to a stroke. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an individual’s brain gets temporarily blocked. As a result, the brain cells become deprived of oxygen and hence start dying. It is a leading cause of adult disability and the fifth leading reason of death in the United States.

There are several harmful effects of stroke. Some of these are -

Paralysis
Altered brain function
Slurred speech
Balance issues
Difficulty swallowing

The different risk factors of stroke include the following -

Consuming oral contraceptives or birth control pills
Diabetes
High red blood cell count
History of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
Smoking
Obesity
Abnormal heart rhythm

4. Heart Disease

Are you wondering, “what diseases can smoking cause”?

Scroll through!

Smoking affects almost everybody's organs, including the heart. It can lead to blockage and narrowing in the arteries, implying less blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Heart disease is one of the diseases caused due to smoking and is still the number one reason for death in the United States.

Heart disease can lead to several complications, including -

Heart valve problems
Liver damage
Kidney damage or failure
Heart rhythm problems

The various risk factors for heart disease are:

Physical inactivity
Smoking
High blood pressure
Obesity
High cholesterol and low levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein or “good” cholesterol)

5. Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disorder that makes it difficult to move air in and out of an individual’s lungs. Cigarette smoke irritates the air passages, thereby triggering a severe and sudden asthma attack. Asthma is a severe disease caused by smoking and affects approximately 25 million Americans.

This disease caused by smoking further leads to several complications, including -

Permanent narrowing of bronchial tubes
Lingering cough spell
Growth delay in children

A number of risk factors increase the chances of developing asthma for an individual. These include:

Obesity
Smoking
Getting exposed to occupational triggers like chemicals used in hairdressing, manufacturing, and farming
Having a blood relative (like a sibling or parent) with asthma

6. Premature Babies Having Low Birth Weight

Smoking affects the health of the mother and the baby. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to babies being born prematurely and/or with low birth weight. Babies born too small or too early have a higher risk of health complications and death.

Though all premature babies do not experience complications, there are possibilities of several long-term and short-term health issues. Some of these complications include -

Brain problems
Gastrointestinal problems
Temperature control problems
Cerebral palsy
Impaired learning
Dental problems

There are some known risk factors of a premature delivery like -

Smoking
Being overweight or underweight before pregnancy
Multiple abortions or miscarriages
Conceiving through in vitro fertilisation
An interval of lower than 6 months between pregnancies

7. Reproductive Effects

Are you searching for “which disease does smoking cause in women”?

Read through!

Smoking can lead to ectopic pregnancy in women. In an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants at someplace else other than the uterus. In this condition, the egg cannot survive, and if it is left untreated, it can prove to be life-threatening for the mother. Smoking also leads to lowered fertility, thereby making it highly difficult to get pregnant. It also negatively affects the sperm quality in men, thereby again leading to fertility issues.

Some of the health effects of reproductive problems occurring due to smoking include -

Increased rates of miscarriage
Problems involving the fallopian tubes like blockages that prevent sperm and egg from meeting
Cervical changes and an increased risk of developing cervical cancer

There are several risk factors of reproductive issues in men and women that include -

Smoking
Age of an individual
Being underweight or overweight
Excessive alcohol consumption

8. Eye Problems

Smoking damages an individual’s eyes and can lead to vision loss, thereby causing blindness – the leading reason for blindness in adults aged 65 years and more.

Besides blindness, problems in the eye because of smoking can lead to several other complicated conditions, such as -

Cataracts
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy
Dry Eye Syndrome

The various risk factors of eye-related problems include:

Smoking
Age of an individual
Hypertension or high blood pressure
Diabetes
Family history

9. Diabetes

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is higher by 30% to 40% for smokers compared to non-smokers. Plus, smoking raises the risk of complications after an individual gets diagnosed with diabetes. Some of these complications include kidney disease, heart ailments, nerve damage, poor blood flow to feet and legs, resulting in infections and possible amputation, and blindness.

Diabetes can lead to a number of complications such as -

Cardiovascular disease
Kidney damage (nephropathy)
Eye damage (retinopathy)
Foot damage
Hearing impairment

The different risk factors of diabetes are -

Family history
Age of an individual
Smoking
Having prediabetes
Being physically active for less than 3 times per week
Being overweight

10. Dental Problems

Smoking raises the risk of tooth sensitivity, gum diseases, and tooth loss. After an individual develops gum damage, smoking further makes it harder for them to heal.

Wondering “what oral diseases are caused by tobacco”?

Bad oral health or dental problems can result in several health problems, such as -

Dementia
Oral cancer
Rheumatoid arthritis

Some risk factors of dental issues include -

Genetics
Stress
Age of an individual
Tobacco usage
Obesity
Poor nutrition

Signs and Symptoms of Diseases Caused by Smoking and Tobacco

Diseases caused by smoking and tobacco can present with various signs and symptoms. Recognising these early can be crucial for timely intervention and treatment.

Shortness of Breath: The lungs are affected, and oxygen cannot be exchanged effectively, which causes difficulty in breathing. Smoking people may find themselves gasping for air during exercise or even when at rest.
Chest Pains: Chest pain can be sharp or dull and is often associated with lung or heart complications. It may be early signs of serious conditions such as lung cancer and heart disease.
Wheezing Sounds: Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing and is usually due to narrow airways. Swelling and phlegm production caused by smoking lead to wheezing.
Frequent Infections: Smokers suffer more respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. Tobacco toxicants weaken the immunity system, hampering its ability to combat diseases.
Unexplained Loss of Weight: Unexplained weight loss among smokers can be an indication of severe health problems like lung cancer. But weight loss might also indicate the body's struggle with chronic disease.
Fatigue and Weakness: Smoking reduces the supply of oxygen, which results in fatigue and general body weakness. Smoking also impairs the cardiovascular system, reducing an individual's energy levels.
Coughing up Blood: When someone coughs up blood, it’s a sign that their lungs have suffered severe damage, possibly from cancer or tuberculosis. Because of smoking, the thin tissues within the lungs can be destroyed; hence, they start bleeding.
Swelling in Legs: Peripheral oedema, or swelling in your feet and legs, can indicate heart or circulatory problems caused by smoking. Fluid accumulates in limbs when there is poor blood flow due to tobacco use.

Early detection of these symptoms is vital for managing and mitigating the damage caused by smoking and tobacco use. Seeking medical advice when symptoms arise can improve treatment outcomes and overall health.

How is Smoking/Tobacco Disease Diagnosed?

Smoking-related diseases are diagnosed through a combination of medical evaluations, imaging, and laboratory tests to assess the impact of tobacco use on the body.

Diagnostic Test	Description
Medical History and Physical Exam	Doctors assess smoking habits, duration, and symptoms during a thorough examination to identify potential smoking-related conditions.
Spirometry (Lung Function Test)	Measures lung capacity and airflow, helping diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory issues caused by smoking.
Chest X-ray	Visualises the lungs and chest structures to detect abnormalities like lung cancer, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.
CT Scan	Provides detailed images of the lungs and chest, often used to detect lung cancer, early-stage emphysema, or other smoking-related damage.
Blood Tests	Check for markers of inflammation, carbon monoxide levels, and other indicators of diseases, such as cardiovascular conditions linked to smoking.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)	Assesses heart function to identify arrhythmias, heart disease, or other cardiovascular conditions exacerbated by smoking.
Sputum Cytology	Examine mucus coughed up from the lungs for the presence of cancerous cells, which is used to diagnose lung cancer.
Bronchoscopy	It involves inserting a camera into the airways to visualise and biopsy tissues in the lungs, which is used to diagnose lung cancer or COPD.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)	A series of tests to measure how well the lungs are working is useful in diagnosing and monitoring lung diseases like COPD.
Lung Biopsy	Involves taking a small tissue sample from the lungs to diagnose lung cancer or other serious lung conditions caused by smoking.
Medical History and Physical Exam	Doctors assess smoking habits, duration, and symptoms during a thorough examination to identify potential smoking-related conditions.

Treatment Methods for Smoking and Tobacco Disease

The treatment of smoking and tobacco-related diseases involves a combination of cessation strategies, medical approaches, and lifestyle changes. Successful therapy can greatly improve health outcomes, thereby reducing the risk of further complications.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): It helps in diminishing withdrawal symptoms by providing nicotine in controlled doses that do not have toxins found in tobacco. These are available as patches, gum, lozenges, and inhalers to support quitting efforts.
Medications: Some prescription drugs, such as varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban), may also help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They affect brain chemistry so that smoking becomes less tempting.
Behavioural Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is motivational counselling that targets psychological aspects of addiction disorder. Counselling programs or support groups offer skills for managing triggers and maintaining lasting abstinence.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This program entails exercise training, nutrition counselling, and education aimed at enhancing lung function and quality of life among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Lifestyle Modifications: Other ways to live healthier lives include regular physical activity, eating healthy foods, stress reduction techniques, etc., which help people recover from relapse.

Preventive Measures to Control Diseases Caused by Smoking and Tobacco

In order to control diseases caused by smoking and tobacco, individuals must stay away from smoking and tobacco. Some of the best preventive measures to do the same include the following -

1. Avoiding Triggers

Tobacco urges tend to be the strongest in situations or places where an individual has often chewed or smoked tobacco. These include parties, tea/coffee breaks or feeling stressed. Individuals must identify their triggers and have a plan to avoid them altogether.

2. Opting for Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy options include the following -

Prescription non-nicotine medications to stop smoking like varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban)
Over-the-counter nicotine lozenges, patches, and gums
Prescribed nicotine in the form of an inhaler or nasal spray

Short-acting therapies like nicotine lozenges, inhalers, gums, and nasal sprays can help overcome cravings and hence keep diseases caused by smoking away. Generally, these short-acting nicotine replacement therapies are safe to use along with long-acting nicotine patches or medications.

3. Doing Some Physical Activity

Physical activity helps distract tobacco users from cravings and lowers their intensity. Individuals can opt for a short burst of physical activity like taking the stairs a few times or going for a walk or jogging— these can keep a tobacco craving away.

From the above list of diseases caused by smoking, it is quite evident that tobacco usage leads to several health issues, and one should always refrain from using it. Individuals willing to quit using tobacco can look for other ways apart from the top ones mentioned above.

Does Health Insurance Cover Smoking and Tobacco Diseases?

The majority of health insurance plans cover lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among other major diseases associated with smoking. This may even extend to include hospitalisation, medication, or surgery.

Nevertheless, not all policies will pay for nicotine replacement therapies or offer stop-smoking programs. To know what their coverage consists of, they need to get acquainted with some details about a certain policy through contacting the relevant companies.

Smoking and the use of tobacco are leading causes of many severe illnesses, thus impacting overall health as well as well-being. People can proactively prevent and detect these conditions early by recognising the risks involved, symptoms, and available treatments. This improves healthier living for individuals who may become victims of life-threatening diseases.

FAQs about Diseases Caused by Smoking and Tobacco

All

How is second hand smoke harmful?

SHS or second hand smoke is the combination of the smoke exhaled by smokers and the smoke emitted from a cigarette’s burning end. Passive or involuntary smoking is the exposure to secondhand smoke - it involves inhaling toxic components, including carcinogens present in SHS. These toxic compounds are responsible for numerous diseases caused by smoking.

What are some of the immediate health improvements seen after an individual quits smoking?

The pulse rate and blood pressure drops to normal level within 20 minutes of smoking the last cigarette. Besides this, the body temperature of the feet and hands rises to normal. Soon after, individuals notice an improvement in their lung capacity, they possess more energy, and physical activity becomes easier.

What are the most common diseases caused by smoking and tobacco use?

Smoking and tobacco use are linked to several serious diseases, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and emphysema.

How does smoking lead to lung cancer?

The carcinogens in tobacco smoke damage the cells lining the lungs, leading to genetic mutations that can result in cancerous growth over time.

Can smoking cause diseases in other parts of the body?

Yes, smoking can contribute to diseases in various organs, including the heart, blood vessels, throat, mouth, and bladder, due to the spread of harmful chemicals throughout the body.

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterised by obstructed airflow and difficulty breathing, often caused by long-term smoking.

How does smoking affect heart health?

Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and reduces oxygen flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Can smoking lead to stroke?

Yes, smoking accelerates the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to stroke by obstructing blood flow to the brain.

Are there any immediate health effects of smoking?

Immediate effects include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and reduced lung function. Long-term effects develop over years of smoking.

How does smoking impact pregnancy?

Smoking during pregnancy can lead to complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and increased risk of stillbirth. It can also harm the developing foetus.

How can smoking cause respiratory infections?

Smoking weakens the immune system and damages the respiratory tract, making it easier for infections like pneumonia and bronchitis to take hold.

What role does nicotine play in smoking-related diseases?

Nicotine is highly addictive, making it difficult to quit smoking. It also contributes to heart disease by raising blood pressure and increasing heart rate.

How does smoking affect mental health?

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress, partly due to the effects of nicotine on the brain.

Can smoking cause dental problems?

Yes, smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. It also causes bad breath and discoloured teeth.