Introduction:

Smoking is a health problem of epidemic dimensions with a significant impact on the health of the population. According to the WHO, this epidemic kills more than 8 million people. In addition, it is one of the most important triggers of chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases, which is why it is considered the most important risk factor for disease and premature death worldwide.

Objective:

This bibliographic review will discuss the current evidence of organic damage caused by tobacco, the pathophysiological mechanisms through which it is produced and the relevance in prevention through the cessation of consumption.

Results:

Smoking is one of the most important triggers of cancer, currently being responsible for 30% of cancers worldwide. On the other hand, the respiratory system is one of those that suffers the most from the impact of its consumption, being closely related to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and respiratory infections. In addition, it has a very important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, there is clear evidence that smoking is a cardiovascular risk factor, being closely related to the development of coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease and cerebrovascular accidents.

Conclusions:

Cigarette smoke contains particles that are potentially dangerous to the health of those who are exposed to them. In this way, cigarette smoking becomes an aetiological factor common to many types of cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nicotine, one of its components, is a powerful addictive agent. All this together makes cigarettes a major public health problem.

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