About a quarter of all regular smokers are killed prematurely by their smoking. Those killed lose on average 10-15 years of potential life. A pregnant woman who smokes has an increased risk of miscarriage, of having a stillborn baby or of having a low birth weight baby. Smokers have more peptic ulcers and their ulcers respond poorly to treatment. Smoking can cause peripheral vascular disease which can result in gangerene and amputation.
Smokers cough more, get more chest infections and shortness of breath.
Smoking is the largest avoidable cause of cancer. In Ireland 6,000 people die each year from smoking related diseases. Those killed loose on average 10 - 15 years of potential life. Smoking increases the risk of stroke. Smoking can cause peripheral vascular disease which can result in gangrene and amputation.