Tobacco Disease and Death

Tobacco Disease and Death 440,000 deaths per year are caused by tobacco use.

Cancer CANCER- is a disease in which damaged cells grow out of control and destroy healthy tissue. Tumors are lumps of cancerous cells. All Tobacco products contain cancer causing chemicals. Lung Cancer causes more deaths than any other form of cancer. 87% of all lung cancers can be traced back to smoking or exposure to ETS (second hand smoke).

Cancer Tobacco can also cause cancers of the mouth, throat, bladder, pancreas, and kidneys. The earlier you start using tobacco, the higher the risk of cancer and other tobacco related diseases, risk increases with how long it is used as well. The risk begins to drop as soon as you stop using.

Respiratory Disease The two most common smoking related respiratory diseases are: CHRONIC BRONCHITIS- a disease in which the lining of the airways becomes very swollen and irritated. Chronic bronchitis can make it difficult for a person to breathe. EMPHYSEMA- A disease in which the tiny air sacs and walls of the lungs are destroyed. Damage is permanent. Many people with emphysema depend on machines to help them breathe.

Respiratory disease Cigarette smoke causes 80% of all cases of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Eventually these can lead to heart failure and death The risk increases based on how long and how much a person smokes.

Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular diseases are diseases of the circulatory system Includes: heart disease, chronic high blood pressure, and stroke. About 135,000 US deaths can be traced to smoking. 46,000 of them being non smokers exposed to ETS Smoking causes the heart to work harder. Smoking makes it more difficult to transport oxygen in the blood

Cardiovascular Diseases Smoking also causes the blood vessel to constrict or tighten making it hared for blood to flow. Constricted blood vessels become more dangerous when a blood clot is present. Blood clots form when the flow of blood slows. A blood clot that can not fit through a vessel will stop the flow of blood. A clot that blocks flow of blood to the heart may cause a heart attack A clot that block flow of blood to the brain may cause a stroke. A clot in the arms or legs may cause strong pain. I severe cases body parts that do not get enough blood may need to be removed.

Other Health Problems Caused by Tobacco Tobacco products may also increase the risk of gum and dental disease. Smoking can also cause several eye diseases. Some chemicals cause clouding of the lenses Constricted blood flow can cause the eye muscles to weaken. Tobacco users are more likely to get sick and do not recover as quickly as non smokers. Chemicals in tobacco products make the body not as effective at fighting bacteria and viruses in the body.