Smoking is known as a habit that is detrimental and even damaging to health. Behind its false pleasure, there is a big risk that can be life-threatening. One of the most serious dangers of smoking is that it can cause chronic lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema which can significantly reduce the quality of life and can even be fatal.
Understanding Chronic Lung Disease
Chronic lung disease is a group of diseases that permanently affect the lungs and interfere with airflow, making it difficult to breathe. The two most common types of chronic lung disease are COPD and emphysema. These conditions develop slowly and cannot be cured, but can be controlled with proper treatment. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease characterized by blockages in the airways, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD causes shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and excess phlegm production. Meanwhile, Emphysema is a form of COPD in which the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are destroyed over time. This causes the lungs to lose their elasticity, so that air becomes trapped in the lungs and cannot be expelled properly. As a result, oxygen cannot be absorbed optimally.
Why is Smoking the Main Cause?
Smoking is the number one cause of chronic lung disease, with about 85-90% of COPD cases being caused by smoking. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, tar, and nicotine, which directly damage lung tissue and airways.
Here's how smoking causes lung damage:
1. Damaging Cilia in the Lungs
Cilia are tiny hairs in the respiratory tract that help clear mucus and foreign particles from the lungs. Nicotine and the chemicals in cigarettes damage these cilia, making the lungs more susceptible to infection and mucus buildup.
2. Destroys Lung Elasticity
Cigarette smoke damages the alveoli (tiny air sacs) that allow the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. This damage causes the lungs to lose elasticity, trapping air and causing shortness of breath.
3. Triggers Chronic Inflammation
The toxic substances in cigarettes cause chronic inflammation in the airways. This inflammation slowly damages lung tissue and causes narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of Chronic Lung Disease Due to Smoking
Symptoms of chronic lung disease usually develop slowly and are often overlooked in the early stages. However, over time, they become more severe and can include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
- Chronic cough often accompanied by phlegm.
- Excessive mucus in the lungs.
- Wheezing or noises when breathing.
- Frequent respiratory tract infections.
- Decreased stamina and energy.
The Fatal Impact of Chronic Lung Disease
If not treated properly, chronic lung disease can lead to serious complications, including respiratory failure, where the lungs can no longer provide enough oxygen to the body. In addition, this condition can worsen heart health, trigger high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension), and ultimately become a threat to life.
Prevention and Management Steps
The most effective step to prevent chronic lung disease is to stop smoking. Even after years of smoking, quitting the habit can reduce the risk of further damage to the lungs and improve quality of life. Here are steps to prevent and manage chronic lung disease:
1. Quit Smoking
The first and most important step in preventing and managing chronic lung disease is to stop smoking. This can slow the rate of disease progression and improve overall lung function.
2. Regular exercise
Even if breathing feels difficult, light exercise such as walking, yoga, or breathing exercises can help increase lung capacity and reduce symptoms.
3. Managing the Environment
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and other lung irritants, such as chemicals or dust, to protect your lungs.
4. Medical Therapy
For people with COPD or emphysema, treatments such as bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
We now know that smoking is a major cause of chronic lung disease, which is dangerous and can be life-threatening. Quitting smoking is the most important step in preventing further lung damage and maintaining long-term health. By reducing the risk of chronic lung disease, a person can live a healthier and better life. Smoking may seem like a difficult habit to break, but your lung health is the most valuable investment you can make.
Beware of the dangers that lurk and work around them by taking steps to keep your lungs healthy. If you or your family want to consult about Lung & Respiratory health, immediately consult a Lung & Respiratory Specialist.
Article written by dr. Herman, Sp.P (Pulmonary and Respiratory Specialist, EMC Sentul Hospital).