Smoking is a major public health concern because it is a leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide.
Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, including the heart, lungs, blood vessels, reproductive organs, and immune system. It is a major risk factor for a wide range of diseases, including:
Cardiovascular disease: Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, and is responsible for about one-third of all heart disease deaths. It damages the heart and blood vessels, leading to narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow, which can cause heart attacks and stroke.
Lung disease: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and is also responsible for chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It damages the airways and the lung tissue, making it harder to breathe and increasing the risk of lung infections.
Cancer: In addition to lung cancer, smoking also increases the risk of several other types of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, and cervix.
Respiratory problems: Smoking can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Reproductive and developmental harm: Smoking during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus and increase the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Smoking also harms people around the smoker as well, through secondhand smoke which can cause lung cancer and heart disease in adults and respiratory problems, sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections, and asthma in children.
Quitting smoking can greatly reduce the risk of these health problems and improve overall health
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