Smoking is an addiction that carries with it many risks. Smoking can cause not only cancer of the lungs but oral, bladder, and colorectal cancer, too. It also contributes to the likelihood of a person developing gum disease, type 2 diabetes, and macular degeneration.

Beyond the health concerns associated with smoking, the habit may lead to yellow teeth and fingers, smoker’s cough, and a home and clothing that smells of smoke. There are a number of other conditions not often considered when it comes to smoking-associated risks. Read on for five overlooked reasons to stop smoking once and for all:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is another autoimmune disease vulnerable to the effects of smoking. Research continues to demonstrate an adverse relationship between smoking and the development of RA. Those with the condition experience pain and swelling in the affected areas of the body and are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Avoiding the risk of developing this painful condition is reason enough to put down the cigarettes.

2. Snoring or sleep apnea

In addition to the risk factors associated with dementia and autoimmune diseases like lupus and RA, smoking has a major adverse effect on the respiratory system. This can lead to the development of snoring or sleep apnea. Smoking irritates the nasal passages, which, in turn, makes it difficult to breathe in and out of the nose. This leads to nighttime snoring. Sleep apnea, too, is much more common in those who smoke. Stopping smoking, then, may be key to getting a good night’s sleep.

3. Vision loss

Smoking may affect a person’s vision. Those who smoke are at a higher risk of developing macular degeneration. This is the leading cause of failing eyesight in adults 65 and older, and one more reason to consider smoking cessation programs, nicotine lozenges, or nicotine patches.

4. Cognitive decline

Smoking has been linked to the development of cognitive decline and dementia in early old age. Cognitive impairment is characterized by forgetfulness, difficulty understanding instructions, an inability to organize plans and tasks, and impulsivity. The good news is that stopping smoking can prevent this decline. Protecting one’s cognitive health is only one of many reasons to consider smoking cessation programs.

5. Lupus

Smoking has a number of ill-effects on those with lupus, an autoimmune disease. The symptoms of this chronic condition include joint pain, fatigue, and skin lesions. Lupus is linked to increased risk of respiratory infection and heart disease, and smoking only exacerbates these risks. Smoking might also affect the way the medication used to treat lupus is metabolized in the liver. A person with lupus should strongly consider these risk factors when it comes to beginning or continuing smoking.