Other Consequences of Smoking Tobacco causes the skin of the mouth to thicken and form white patches, called leukoplakia. These patches may turn into oral and lip cancers. Dental disease and gum loss is accelerated. Tobacco use accelerates osteoporosis, the normal bone loss with aging. This is more evident in women than men, but occurs in both sexes.
Osteoporosis is a leading cause of fractures of the spine, wrists and hips.
Complications of hip fractures are frequently a cause of death within six months of the fracture. Smoking is associated with bladder, pancreatic, esophageal and kidney cancer, possibly with stomach ulcers, reduced sex drive, premature births and stunted growth of fetuses. Physiologic Effects Related to Flying The major effects of smoking on the pilot are on the respiratory and visual systems. As discussed above, both reduced oxygen and increased carbon monoxide levels in the blood are present in smokers. The smoker is at much higher risk for hypoxia, or decreased oxygen to the brain.