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Smoking: A global health burden and the diseases it can lead to

Rajeshwaari Kalla | December 19, 2025 / 18:15 IST
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Global Health Burden Smoking is one of the leading causes of disease and death worldwide. Tobacco smoke contains numerous harmful chemicals capable of damaging almost every organ of the body. Regular smoking not only affects the lungs but also significantly increases the risk of heart diseases and other systemic illnesses.
Global Health Burden
Smoking is one of the leading causes of disease and death worldwide. Tobacco smoke contains numerous harmful chemicals capable of damaging almost every organ of the body. Regular smoking not only affects the lungs but also significantly increases the risk of heart diseases and other systemic illnesses. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Tobacco and Lung Cancer Tobacco smoking is a major cause of lung carcinoma and accounts for more than eighty percent of cases. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that damage cellular DNA, leading to uncontrolled growth of lung cells and the development of malignant tumors.
Tobacco and Lung Cancer
Tobacco smoking is a major cause of lung carcinoma and accounts for more than eighty percent of cases. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that damage cellular DNA, leading to uncontrolled growth of lung cells and the development of malignant tumors. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Smoking and COPD Smoking is the predominant cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD leads to irreversible airway obstruction, resulting in chronic cough and progressive breathlessness, significantly affecting quality of life.
Smoking and COPD
Smoking is the predominant cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD leads to irreversible airway obstruction, resulting in chronic cough and progressive breathlessness, significantly affecting quality of life. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Cardiovascular Complications Long-term smoking accelerates atherosclerosis by damaging blood vessels and increasing LDL cholesterol levels. This predisposes smokers to coronary artery disease, angina, and myocardial infarction, often occurring at a younger age compared to non-smokers.
Cardiovascular Complications
Long-term smoking accelerates atherosclerosis by damaging blood vessels and increasing LDL cholesterol levels. This predisposes smokers to coronary artery disease, angina, and myocardial infarction, often occurring at a younger age compared to non-smokers. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Cerebrovascular Risks Smoking increases the risk of cerebrovascular diseases such as ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. It promotes thrombosis, hypertension, and vascular damage, leading to neurological deficits including speech impairment and long-term disability.
Cerebrovascular Risks
Smoking increases the risk of cerebrovascular diseases such as ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. It promotes thrombosis, hypertension, and vascular damage, leading to neurological deficits including speech impairment and long-term disability. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Peripheral Arterial Disease Smoking causes narrowing and blockage of arteries in the lower limbs. Affected individuals experience claudication and rest pain. In advanced stages, non-healing ulcers may develop, increasing the risk of gangrene and limb amputation.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Smoking causes narrowing and blockage of arteries in the lower limbs. Affected individuals experience claudication and rest pain. In advanced stages, non-healing ulcers may develop, increasing the risk of gangrene and limb amputation. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Oral Cavity Cancers Harmful chemicals in tobacco damage the oral mucosa, predisposing individuals to cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and floor of the mouth. Early signs include white or red patches and difficulty in swallowing.
Oral Cavity Cancers
Harmful chemicals in tobacco damage the oral mucosa, predisposing individuals to cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and floor of the mouth. Early signs include white or red patches and difficulty in swallowing. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Esophageal Malignancy Smoking damages the esophageal lining and promotes malignant transformation, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer. Common symptoms include dysphagia, chest pain, and progressive weight loss.
Esophageal Malignancy
Smoking damages the esophageal lining and promotes malignant transformation, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer. Common symptoms include dysphagia, chest pain, and progressive weight loss. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Importance of Smoking Cessation Cessation of smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of multiple diseases. Identifying triggers and mentally preparing to quit, along with family and social support, plays a crucial role in successful cessation.
Importance of Smoking Cessation
Cessation of smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of multiple diseases. Identifying triggers and mentally preparing to quit, along with family and social support, plays a crucial role in successful cessation. (Picture Credit: Canva)
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Support and Lifestyle Measures Joining support groups and attending counseling sessions help individuals quit smoking. Managing stress through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and positive lifestyle changes is essential. Every small step taken contributes to a healthier and longer life.
Support and Lifestyle Measures
Joining support groups and attending counseling sessions help individuals quit smoking. Managing stress through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and positive lifestyle changes is essential. Every small step taken contributes to a healthier and longer life. (Picture Credit: Canva) Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.

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