Smoking and Respiratory Diseases
Fast facts
According to the CDC:
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More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking.
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Across the world, tobacco causes more than 7 million deaths per year.
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Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
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On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than nonsmokers.
Risks linked to smoking
Risks of lung diseases from smoking include:
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Chronic bronchitis. This is a type of COPD. This is a long-term (chronic) inflammation of the large airways
(bronchi). It causes shortness of breath and coughing up mucus over weeks or months.
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Emphysema. This is also a type of COPD. This condition affects the air sacs (alveoli) in the
lungs. It causes shortness of breath, coughing, and extreme tiredness (fatigue). It
can also cause sleep and heart problems, weight loss, and depression.
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Lung cancer. This is an abnormal growth of cells. It can cause lumps, masses, or tumors to grow
in the lungs. It may start in the lining of the bronchi. Or it may start in other
parts of the lungs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. This includes secondhand
smoke. Lung cancer often has no symptoms until it's advanced. Symptoms may include
cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and recurring lung infections.
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Other types of cancer. Smoking increases the risk of cancer of the nose, sinuses, voice box, and throat.
It also raises the risk of many other cancers. These include cancers of the gastrointestinal,
urinary, and female reproductive systems.
If you have any symptoms of lung disease, see your healthcare provider right away.
Dangers of secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke is smoke that is breathed out by smokers. It's also smoke from a
burning cigarette, cigar, or pipe. It causes more than 7,000 lung cancer deaths each
year in people who don’t smoke. And it causes a total of 41,000 other deaths per year.
It can also lead to lung conditions and heart disease. Symptoms linked to secondhand
smoke may include:
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Eye, nose, and throat irritation
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Coughing
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Too much mucus in the airways
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Chest discomfort or pain
Children and babies exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to have ear infections
and asthma. They're also at a higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Cancer risks of cigar smoking
Many cigar smokers don't inhale. But their risk for oral, throat, and esophageal cancers
is the same as for cigarette smokers.
Some cigar smokers do inhale. These smokers are more likely to have oral, esophageal,
or laryngeal cancer than people who don’t smoke.
Secondhand smoke from cigars gives off carcinogens. These are chemicals that cause
cancer. Cigar smoke has more of these chemicals than cigarette smoke does.
Benefits of quitting smoking
People who quit smoking can reverse some of the lung damage. Other benefits may include:
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Lower risk for lung disease
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Lower risk for heart disease
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Lower risk for cancer
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No more cigarette stains on fingers and teeth
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Less coughing and shortness of breath
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No more cigarette smoke smell on breath, clothing, and hair
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Better senses of smell and taste
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Healthier gums
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Saving money
How can I quit smoking?
Quitting smoking can be very hard. These tips can help you quit:
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Think about why you want to quit. Make a list of the reasons.
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Set a quit date.
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Try to pick a time when you have as little stress as possible.
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Ask for support and encouragement from family, friends, and coworkers.
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If you don't already exercise, start to increase your physical activity. This can
improve your health.
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Try to get enough sleep each night. And eat a healthy diet. Along with exercise, healthy
sleeping and eating habits will help you cope with quitting.
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Join a program to help you stop smoking. Or join a support group. Most communities
have these programs. .
Helping you quit
There are proven treatments that can help you quit. Medicines can reduce nicotine
cravings. They can also help you stop smoking. Combining medicines with counseling
or behavioral therapy can increase your success at quitting. Talk with your healthcare
provider to learn more.
Over-the-counter medicines include:
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Nicotine patch. Nicotine is sent through the skin.
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Nicotine gum. Gum gives your body nicotine quickly.
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Nicotine lozenge. This is like a hard candy.
Prescription medicines include:
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Nicotine nasal spray. This sends nicotine quickly into your body.
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Nicotine inhaler. Using an inhaler is like smoking cigarettes.
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Bupropion. This is a type of antidepressant medicine. It can help to lessen cravings for nicotine.
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Varenicline tartrate. It helps to lessen the discomfort of quitting. It also lessens the pleasure you get
from smoking.
Quit resources
For help with quitting: