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.
A pregnant woman who smokes has an increased risk of miscarriage of having a stillborn baby or a low birth baby. Smoking in pregnancy is also associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Breathing other people's smoke is called passive or voluntary smoking. The non smoker breathes 'Side Steam' smoke which has been inhaled and then exhaled by the smoker. Irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.