How do cigarettes affect the lungs?
When cigarette smoke is inhaled, 80 to 90 per cent remains in the lungs and causes irritation, increased mucus production and damage to the deep parts of the lungs. Eventually mucus and tar clog up the air tubes, causing chronic bronchitis and emphysema. If you continue to smoke, the problem will get worse. If you stop, the disease may stay steady and may even improve. What are the symptoms? Shortness of breath that gets steadily worse is the main symptom. Other symptoms include smokers’ cough, tiredness, weakness and difficulty clearing the chest. What are the risks of emphysema? People are prone to chest infection, which continues the vicious cycle of lung disease. Such infections may lead to pneumonia. As emphysema gets worse it can cause heart failure and respiratory failure (where the lungs will not function). What is the treatment? Self-help • If you smoke, you must stop. • Avoid places with polluted air and other irritants, such as smoke, paint fumes and fine dust. • Go for walk
