We all know smoking is bad for us, yet those of us still a slave to the habit are causing our body damage in a myriad of different ways. There are factors which make the effects of smoking on the body vary from person to person. Such factors include the number of cigarettes a person smokes a day, how long they have been a smoker, the age they took up the habit and the individuals own level of vulnerability to the chemicals in cigarettes.

That said, all smokers will suffer from the harmful effects of smoking to some degree. And in all cases, smoking will lower the life expectancy of everyone who regularly lights up. Here are some of the ways smoking has a negative effect on the body:

- Increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to hypertension. This greatens the smokers risk of heart attack and stroke.

- The carbon monoxide in cigarettes will impair the blood flow to the extremities like the hands and feet. In sever cases, some smokers end up having these limbs amputated to prevent gangrene.

- Lung cancer caused by smoking is a major cause of death the world over, with 90% of lung cancer patients being smokers. The tar in cigarettes is responsible for causing this as well as other forms of cancer, including throat, mouth, stomach and kidneys to mention a few.

- Emphysema and bronchitis are very common in smokers. These diseases are caused by damage made to the small airways in the lungs, resulting in impaired lung function. The long term damage will result in increased breathlessness which will require hospitalisation and can result in death!

Those are all major reasons to give up smoking as they can all lead to serious illness and even death, and there is a very good chance of suffering from at least one of the above if you are a regular smoker. Other known effects of smoking include:

- Impotence in men, and infertility in women.

- Worsening the effects of asthma, and counteracting asthma medication by inflaming the airwaves the medication is supposed to clear.

- An increased risk of periodontal disease, which results in swollen gums and bad breath. It can also cause normally healthy teeth to fall out.

- Can cause both stomach and mouth ulcers.

- Premature ageing due to a restricted blood supply to the skin, causing it to become pale and wrinkled. It also causes your teeth, gums and fingers to  show yellowish stains. Smoking is seriously hazardous for your looks!

- Your overall health will be worse if you smoke. You will suffer from chronic coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, you will be more susceptible to catching a cold or flu and find it harder to recover from minor illnesses. In short, smoking not only reduces your life expectancy, but also seriously effects the quality of life you have left to enjoy.