Tobacco cigarettes affect the body in many detrimental ways, especially the lungs. Whether you have smoked regularly for years or are new to tobacco use, learn what smoking does to this major organ in the guide below. Then consider speaking to your local pulmonology center to discuss ways to quit. 

4 Ways Smoking Affects Your Breathing  

1. Restricted Airflow

Irritated and inflamed lung tissue from smoking restricts airflow, resulting in often-chronic coughing and wheezing. Asthma may also develop. Those who continue smoking can eventually become ill with emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), both of which, pulmonology doctors warn, cause persistent coughs, wheezing, and shortness of breath, among other unpleasant symptoms.

2. Elasticity Loss

The lungs expand every time you inhale and snap back into their original position thanks to the organ’s elastic tissues. As the lungs become marred with tobacco tar deposits, these elastic tissues remain in their expanded position and make exhaling difficult.

3. Clogged Cilia

The small hairs lining the lungs clean them of mucus to keep you breathing normally. Known as cilia, these hairs slow their work when you inhale a cigarette and remain in that state for several hours. Additionally, tobacco tar clogs cilia, resulting in mucus accumulation that exits the body via the “smoker’s cough.” Clogged cilia cannot filter contaminants as successfully, allowing cigarette chemicals to collect in your lung’s air sacs.

4. Accelerated Cell Degeneration, Lung Aging & Increased Disease Risk

Pulmonology doctors often see lung cells breaking down as a result of tar deposits. Lungs subsequently age prematurely and do not function at an optimal level. Unhealthy lungs from tobacco use are also at risk of lung cancer.

If you believe you need specialized care to kick your smoking habit, make an appointment with Santiam Hospital. Proudly serving the Mid-Willamette Valley, OR, area, this premier hospital includes branches specifically for pulmonology treatment and research. Call (503) 769-2175 to schedule an appointment today or learn more about their methods online. Get additional health tips on Facebook.