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How Does Smoking Affect the Lungs?
Many people have seen the pictures of the diseased smoker’s lung, but how does smoking affect the lungs and lung tissue? Here are some ways that the lung tissue is compromised by smoking and what results:
- Irritation and Inflammation
From the very first smoke, the lining of the mouth throat and bronchial tubes can experience irritation. With extended exposure to cigarette smoke, the lining of the bronchial tubes can become inflamed, which is when the smoker experiences the “smoker’s cough.” This inflammation narrows the bronchial tubes, further inhibiting the body’s ability to carry oxygen. - Cilia Dysfunction
As the cilia, tiny hair like structures of the lining of the lungs, gets clogged with tar, they lose their ability to clear contaminants from the lungs. This leads to an accumulation of mucus that then must be forced out of the lungs by coughing. The cilia are also responsible for filtering as well so that contaminants, such as cigarette smoke, never get to the air sacs. With them compromised, the toxic chemicals in the cigarette smoke are able to reach, and damage, these sacs. - Loss of Elasticity
The act of breathing requires an elastic material. Smoking damages the elastic tissues that are required to properly exhale, and over a period of time the lung tissues become rigid. The lung then stay in an expanded state and cannot release carbon dioxide and intake oxygen well. - Alveoli Dysfunction
Alveoli, or the air sacs of the lungs, lose their ability to expand and contract with each breath. This dysfunction can cause them to rupture.
If you are having trouble quitting, call your doctor and make a plan. This plan should include items to address not only the physical addiction, but also the social and emotional addiction as well.
Resources:
http://www.quityoursmokingaddiction.com/smoking-affects-lungs.php
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4843258_smoking-effect-lungs.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulmonary_alveolus
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