Statistics on the affects of smoking have been rising. Read the information below as to some affects of smoking on our body systems.RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Affects of smoking on the respiratory system include emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These are caused by long term exposure to substances in smoke, like carbon monoxide and cyanide.

The carcinogenic and mutagenic substances in smoke cause lung cancer. In the United States, around 97% of lung cancer cases are related to smoking. Even secondhand smoke increases a nonsmoker’s risk by 20 to 30%.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Affects of smoking on the cardiovascular system include heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, and peripheral vascular disease.

Smoke inhalation causes immediate changes within the heart and blood vessels. Within 1 minute, heart rate rises. And it continues to rise by as much as 30% during the first 10 minutes of smoking. Carbon monoxide in smoke reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Several ingredients in tobacco products lead to narrowing of blood vessels which increases the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. Smokers below 40 years old are 5 times more likely to have a heart attack.Even short term exposure to secondhand smoke can cause changes in the cardiovascular system that increases the risk of a heart attack by 25 to 30%

IMMUNE SYSTEM
Affects of smoking on the immune system include increased risk of acquiring infections like common colds, bronchitis, and other pulmonary and respiratory infections. Smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day increases the risk of tuberculosis by 2 to 4 times. Smokers have a fourfold increase in their risk of acquiring invasive pneumococcal disease.

There are still many smoking-related diseases, like periodontitis, leukoplakia and cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, and larynx. And the worst affect of smoking is that it can shut down your entire body! Smoking is now the second major cause of deaths in the world! So what are you waiting for? Quit smoking now!

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