Health Effects of Smoking on the Stomach

Your stomach is a muscular sac between the esophagus and small intestine. Walls of the stomach are lined with three layers of powerful muscles that grind food and mix it with gastric juices, liquefying it before passing it into your small intestine. One of these juices, hydrochloric acid, is so strong it can dissolve iron nails. The stomach's delicate tissues are protected from this powerful acid by a thick coating on the stomach lining.

The Health Effects of Smoking on the Stomach

Smoking causes stomach cancer. In 2003, there were an estimated 22,400 new cases of stomach cancer in the United States, and an estimated 12,100 deaths.

Smokers are more likely to have peptic ulcers than nonsmokers.

Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Smokers who quit completely may lower their risk of getting a peptic ulcer.

Smokers who quit completely may lower their risk of getting a peptic ulcer.

Source: Surgeon General's 2004 Report

Health Effects of Smoking on the Body

Brain

Eyes

Mouth, Throat Larynx, Esophagus

Lungs

Heart

Stomach

Kidneys

Bladder

Pancreas

Pregnancy

Previous Page

Home | About Me | Blog | Quit Smoking Articles | Partner Sites | Contact | Terms and Conditions | Privacy