According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking is the top cause of preventable disease. Sixty nine of the 48,000 chemicals in cigarettes are cancerous. Smoking causes the vast majority of lung cancer in men and women. Coronary heart disease, stroke and lung disease are all linked to cigarette smoking. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer are the primary lung-related problems that have been linked to cigarette smoking.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, is a disease that makes it hard to breathe. Smoking attacks the alveoli of the lungs, causing COPD. It's the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.
Lung Cancer
Cigarette smoking is attributable to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in addition to lung cancer, cigarette smoking causes other cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, cancer of the larynx, cancer of the pharynx (throat), cervical cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, cancer of the oral cavity and uterine cancer.
Other Effects
Other effects on the lungs include chronic coughing and wheezing, increased risk of lower respiratory infections and a lowering of lung function.
