The risks of smoking are numerous and can affect nearly every system in the body. Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer such as throat and bladder cancer. It can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking can cause damage to blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen to vital organs, and can also weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections.

Smoking carries a variety of short-term and long-term risks. In the short-term, smoking cigarettes can damage your lungs, resulting in difficulty breathing and increased risk of respiratory illnesses. Additionally, research has found that smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of heart diseases, stroke, various cancers, and other illnesses. In the long-term, smoking can lead to serious dental problems, as well as an increased risk of developing emphysema, chronic bronchitis, certain cancers, and other potentially life-threatening illnesses.