Learn About Drugs with Chula Pharmacy: Cigarettes and the Risk of Serious Diseases

    Each year, May 31 is observed as World No Tobacco Day, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of smoking. Yet, despite these efforts, cigarettes are still being produced, and millions continue to smoke—even though the risks are well known. The contradiction is clear: while the world promotes quitting, smoking persists, and tobacco companies continue to operate.

    Cigarettes are widely recognized as a major health hazard. They contribute to countless diseases and significantly deteriorate a person’s overall well-being. While many people understand the risks, others remain unaware—or come to realize them too late. Today, we’ll explore how smoking worsens disease progression, particularly among those already living with chronic illnesses, and why quitting makes a difference.

    Even though cigarette packaging includes disturbing images meant to deter use, smoking continues—especially among teenagers. The growing popularity of e-cigarettes is also alarming. The concern is that these young people, just a small segment of the population, may carry smoking habits into adulthood, putting their future health at risk. They may grow up battling chronic illnesses, which limit their ability to live full, healthy lives.

The Health Impact of Cigarettes

    Cigarettes have a profound effect on the heart and blood vessels. For example, smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and causing blood platelets to clump together more easily. This can make blood pressure harder to control, even with medication.

    Those with narrowed arteries are at even greater risk. Smoking contributes to inflammation and plaque buildup in the blood vessels, which may eventually lead to coronary artery disease, stroke, or even heart attacks. Plaques—made of fat, calcium, and scar tissue—can rupture and block arteries suddenly, triggering life-threatening events.

    Even individuals with seemingly normal health markers—like regular blood pressure and no diabetes—should not be complacent if they smoke. Cigarette toxins can silently inflame and damage the blood vessels over time.

    Many people don’t realize that smoking can worsen diabetes. Nicotine reduces the body’s sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. This increases insulin resistance, making blood sugar harder to manage and raising the risk of severe complications such as diabetic retinopathy (eye disease) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease).

    Smoking also weakens bones. It reduces the activity of bone-building cells while increasing bone breakdown, interferes with calcium absorption, and increases calcium loss through urine. Women are particularly vulnerable, as smoking causes early menopause and estrogen deficiency, leading to bone mass loss. The result? A higher risk of fractures, especially in the hips, spine, and wrists. Smoking also leads to muscle weakness and poor balance—making falls and injuries more likely.

    Cigarettes are directly linked to respiratory problems and various cancers, particularly lung cancer. For patients with chronic illnesses—such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues—smoking complicates treatment. They often require higher drug doses or additional medications, which increases the risk of adverse drug reactions.

    Smoking not only worsens existing diseases—it also makes treatment more complicated and less effective. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your chances of recovery, enhance the effectiveness of medications, and reduce side effects. If more people understood how deeply cigarettes interfere with their health and treatment, it could inspire real change.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University