Ben's Section -- Diseases

Smoking causes lung disease by damaging your airways and the small air sacs (alveoli) found in your lungs. There are many negative impacts of lung disease, along with countless other diseases that are caused by smoking.

Diseases

  • Cancer
  • Heart diseases
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Emphysema 
  • Chronic bronchitis

Negative Impacts

  • Lung disease can affect respiratory function
  • Ability to breathe
  • Pulmonary function
  • There are many different lung diseases, some of which are caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Smoking-related diseases can significantly affect your well-being and standard of living. For instance, extreme exhaustion, a chronic cough, and breathing difficulties can all be symptoms of lung cancer. Another common smoking-related side effect is heart disease, which can cause heart failure, chest pain, and heart attacks, all of which can make it very difficult to exercise. Respiratory conditions associated with smoking, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and persistent coughing, which can make daily tasks difficult. In addition, smoking raises the chance of stroke, which can cause cognitive impairment and long-term disability. Lastly, diseases linked to smoking can drastically shorten life expectancy and cause early death.

Random Smoking Facts:

  1. Smoking causes lung disease by damaging your airways and the small air sacs (alveoli) found in your lungs.
  2. Smoking also causes your lungs to become black and start to lose their functions.
  3. Smoking causes about 90% (or 9 out of 10) of all lung cancer deaths.

 

Diseases:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

Breathing becomes challenging with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung condition that progresses over time. Long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke is frequently the cause of it. Lack of breathing, wheezing, and coughing are some of the symptoms. The body may suffer serious effects from COPD. Breathing becomes more difficult over time due to reduced lung function caused by ongoing inflammation and airway constriction. This may lead to lower blood oxygen levels, which can cause weariness and make it harder to carry out everyday tasks. Infections such as pneumonia that cause breathing problems are also more common in people with COPD and can worsen lung damage. Severe COPD can lead to heart problems and respiratory failure, which can seriously affect general health and quality of life.

Random Smoking Facts:

1. Smokers are 12 to 13 times more likely to die from COPD than nonsmokers.

2. Smokers develop age-related macular degeneration faster than non-smokers.

3. Smoking increases Visceral Fat.

 

Chronic Bronchitis:

A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) called chronic bronchitis causes the bronchial tubes to become inflamed and overproduce mucus. Cigarette smoking and exposure to irritants like dust and air pollution are the main causes of it. Breathlessness, tightness in the chest, and a chronic cough are possible side effects of this illness. The creation of mucus and persistent inflammation can constrict the airways, making breathing harder and raising the risk of respiratory infections. Chronic bronchitis may require continuing medical care to control symptoms and avoid complications, as it can eventually lead to impaired lung function.

Random Smoking Facts:

  1. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of death from all causes in men and women.
  2. The risk of dying from cigarette smoking has increased over the last 50 years in the U.S.
  3. If you have asthma, tobacco smoke can trigger an attack or make an attack worse.

Emphysema:

A form of COPD called emphysema is defined by harm to the lungs' alveoli, or air sacs. Long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke frequently results in this harm. Inability to breathe and a decreased capacity for exertion result from the lungs' decreased ability to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide due to the death of the alveoli. In addition the diaphragm flattening and chest enlargement are common symptoms of emphysema, which can worsen lung function and general health. Respiratory failure, which occurs when the body is unable to take in enough oxygen or expel enough carbon dioxide, is caused by the lungs' gradual decline. If not treated quickly and efficiently, this can lead to potentially fatal conditions like heart failure or serious respiratory infections.

Random Smoking Facts:

  1. Smoking causes about 80% (or 8 out of 10) of all deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  2. More women die from lung cancer each year than from breast cancer.
  3. Smoking can cause cancer anywhere in your body.

Lung Cancer:

The most feared disease of them all is lung cancer there are many causes of lung cancer, but smoking cigarettes is the main cause of lung cancer, other toxins such as radon, asbestos, and secondhand smoke may greatly increase the risk. Usually starting in the cells lining the bronchi and portions of the lung, the disease eventually develops into a tumor. As the tumor enlarges, it may restrict the airway or invade nearby tissues, making breathing difficult. Moreover, lung cancer has the ability to spread, extending to the liver, brain, and bones, among other organs. Treatment at this advanced stage is more difficult, and it can have a big effect on survival rates. Coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, exhaustion, and inexplicable weight loss are all signs of lung cancer.

  1. Smoking can make it harder for a woman to become pregnant. It can also affect her baby’s health before and after birth.
  2. Smoking increases the risk for Preterm (early) delivery.
  3. Smoking increases the risk for Stillbirth (death of the baby before birth).

In conclusion, smoking is a major risk factor for a variety of serious diseases that can have devastating effects on the body. From lung cancer and COPD to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, the impact of smoking on health is profound and wide-ranging. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke are crucial steps in reducing the risk of these diseases and improving overall health. The benefits of quitting smoking can be seen almost immediately, leading to a longer and healthier life.