The lungs are the organs that process every breath we take. They provide oxygen to the blood which the heart throughout the body and they remove carbon dioxide

As a result of waste products from the blood due to smoking, breathing becomes difficult, painful or impossible when the lungs are afflicted with disease.

Most adults breathe in and out about 15 times per minute, taking in about a pint of air each time ... The air passes through the upper respiratory system and is warmed or cooled to body temperature, humidified and partially cleansed. The bronchial tubes then carry the air to the elastic air sacs calls Alveoli. The capillaries (small blood vessels) surrounding the Alveoli receive oxygen and deliver carbon dioxide to be exhaled. The body has natural defense systems to help protect the lung. The mucus in our passageways traps dust, germs, pollen, etc. before they can go deeply into the lungs. The cilia (tiny hair like structures lining the air passages) sweep out mucus, germs and irritants. Coughing, sneezing, and swallowing reflexes clear away debris. Smoking causes the cilia to become infective and/or destroyed completely. Cancer causing substances can become impeded in lung tissues.

The following are common smoking-related lung disorders:

Asthma:
An inflammatory disorder of the airways, Asthma is characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
Asthma irritates the airways to the lungs, restricting airflow to the lungs. During an attack, the muscles of the bronchial tree become tight and the lining of the air passages swells. This causes the wheezing sound that results. Mucus production is increased, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.

Asthma attacks can last minutes to days. Attacks are separated by symptom-free periods. Shortness of breath is common in chronic cases.

Asthma is often triggered by allergens inhaled into the lungs, such as pet dander and dust mites, but cockroach allergens, molds and pollens can also trigger attacks. Respiratory infections, cold air and even exercise can induce attacks, as well as can tobacco smoke, pollutants, stress and certain foods.

 

Chronic bronchitis:
Excessive bronchial mucus characterizes Chronic bronchitis, together with an inflammation of the bronchi, which are the main air passages in the lungs.

Cigarette smoking is the chief cause of this disease, but second-hand smoke is now known to be a contributing cause. Exacerbating the problem are infections, air pollutants and allergies. No question, the longer and heavier smoking prevails, or contact with secondhand smoke becomes, the more severe chornic bronchitis tends to be.

Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affecting the lungs, and is grouped with emphysema and asthma as one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

Chylous effusions:
A leakage of white fluid into the chest cavity, associated with LAM

Dyspnea:
Shortness of breath, associated with LAM.

Emphysema:
An insidious lung disease which damages the air sacs known as alveoli in the lungs. The air sacs are rendered incapable of deflating completely (known as hyperinflation) and are therefore not able to fill with fresh air. This results in an inadequate supply of oxygen to the body.
Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of emphysema. It is now believe that smoke and other pollutants cause the release of certain chemicals within the lungs that then damage the air sacs. This damage increases and worsens over time, affecting the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs as described above.

There is a naturally occurring substance in the lungs that protects against damage known as alpha-1 antitrypsin. A deficiency exists in some individuals, increasing their risk of Emphysema.

Hemoptysis:
Usually a symptom of LAM, Hemoptysis is the coughing up of blood or sputum that is blood-stained.

LAM (Lymphangioleiomyomatosis):
This rather rare disorder is characterized by an unusual kind of muscle cell that invades the tissues of the lungs, airways, blood vessels and lymph vessels. These muscle cells lump together over time, obstructing the flow of air and prevent the lungs from being able to provide oxygen to the body. It is possible LAM is associated with the genetic disorder, Tuberous Sclerosis.

LAM affects women exclusively, usually between puberty and menopause. Many of the early symptoms of LAM are similar to other lung diseases and diagnosis in the early stages may be difficult as a result. Blood tests, x-rays, tomography, biopsies and pulmonary function tests are among the means available for determining LAM.

LAM is progressive and usually leads to death from pulmonary disorder within 10 years.

Pneumothoraces:
A leakage of air into the chest cavity, associated with LAM.

Sarcoidosis:
The cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown. It is a lung disease which inflammation of the lymph nodes, liver, eyes, skin and lungs occurs.
Granulomas, which are clusters of macrophages and lymphocytes result. Hypersensitivity is a suspected cause, as are genetic predisposition, infections and certain chemicals.