Smoking is a preventable cause of deaths and diseases worldwide. It is associated with a range of respiratory problems including chronic conditions like bronchitis and emphysema to life threatening diseases like lung cancer.
In this blog, we will explore how smoking causes respiratory problems, the specific diseases it leads to, and how one can try to quit smoking.
Effects Of Smoking On Respiratory System:
Cigarette smoking exposes your lungs and airways to a range of harmful chemicals. These chemicals include nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide, to name a few. Over time, exposure to these chemicals cause extensive damage to the respiratory system.
Inflammation And Swelling:
Smoking causes inflammation in the airways which leads to thickening and narrowing of air passages. This makes it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs.
Damage To The Airway Lining:
There are tiny hair-like structures in the airways, known as cilia. They are responsible for clearing out harmful substances and mucus from the lungs. Smoking causes damage to the cilia which leads to the build up of harmful substances and mucus, causing inflammation and irritation in the airways.
Impaired Lung Function:
Smoking decreases lung function by damaging small air sacs, known as alveoli. Alveoli are responsible for gas exchange in the lungs. Damage to these alveoli can result in reduced oxygen levels in the blood, leading to shortness of breath and fatigue.
Respiratory Diseases Caused By Smoking:
1. Chronic Bronchitis:
Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a long term inflammatory condition of the airways. It is characterised by a persistent productive cough without any identifiable underlying causes, lasting at least 3 months per year for 2 consecutive years. Its common symptoms include;
- Cough, commonly referred as smoker’s cough
- Coughing up mucus
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
2. Emphysema:
Emphysema is also a type of COPD. It is characterised by damage to the walls of air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. This reduces the surface area available for the oxygen exchange, making it difficult to breathe. Over time, lungs lose their elasticity and air becomes trapped in the lungs. Some of its common symptoms include;
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
3. Lung Cancer:
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Around 90% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Lung cancer is characterised by abnormal cell growth, which can lead to masses and tumors in the lungs. In many cases there are no symptoms until the disease has progressed. When symptoms appear, they may include;
- Cough
- Coughing up blood or blood stained mucus (Hemoptysis)
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurring lung infections
4. Asthma Exacerbation:
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing difficulty in breathing. Although asthma is typically triggered by allergies, smoking can exacerbate symptoms of asthma and make its attacks more severe. Smoking irritates the lungs, which causes them to become more sensitive and reactive to the allergen. Smokers who have asthma are more likely to experience flare-ups and breathing difficulties.
5. Increased Risk Of Respiratory Infections:
Smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight off infections. Smoking can increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases like pneumonia and even worsening of the infection. It may also increase the chances of recurrent pneumonia and frequent hospitalisation.
How To Quit Smoking:
- Set a quit date. Having a target date will mentally prepare you for the change.
- Identify the triggers that urge you to smoke. After knowing your triggers, plan how to avoid or cope with them without turning to cigarettes.
- Consider nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine gums, patches and lozenges. They can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- There are prescription medicines like Bupropione and varenicline that can help in quitting smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It is important to consult your healthcare professional before using these medications to make sure they are right for you.
- Seek support from friends, family, and support groups.
- Consider seeking professional help for counselling.
- You can seek help from quitlines available in your country, which are telephone counselling services that provide support and advice. Services such as NHS stop smoking services can also help you quit smoking.
- Stay physically active and manage your stress, as stress is a major trigger for many smokers.
Final Thoughts:
Smoking causes respiratory problems ranging from chronic conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema to life threatening diseases like lung cancer. It can damage lungs and airways leading to inflammation and reduced lung function.
Although smoking causes severe and often irreversible effects, quitting it can significantly improve respiratory health and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.
If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. By taking steps to quit smoking today, you can help your lungs breathe better and improve your overall health.