long term effects
LONG TERM EFFECTS
LONG TERM EFFECTS:
They may take years to develop but they are severe, disabling and often lethal.
-LUNG CANCER
-EMPHYSEMA
-CHRONIC BRONCHITUS
-HEART DISEASE
-OTHER DISEASES
LUNG CANCER:
This is the most common form of cancer found in smokers. Cancer is an uncontrolled abnormal division of cells producing outgrowths or lumps of tissues. In 1985 around 700 Singaporeans died of lung cancer.90% of the deaths due to lung cancer occurred among smokers. About 30,000 people in UK die from lung cancer. More than 8 in 10 cases are directly related to smoking.
Emphysema:
Emphysema is commonly associated with chronic bronchitis and cigarette smoking. The partition walls of the alveoli break down because of intense coughing, which enlarges the air spaces thus decreasing the surface area of the lungs. With the decreased surface area the absorption of oxygen is reduced. The lungs become over inflated with air and lose their elasticity. This result’s in breathlessness.
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS:
I n chronic bronchitis, the epithelium to the lungs becomes inflamed and narrow. Excessive mucus is secreted, which reduces the air flow in the air passages, thus making breathing difficult. The person coughs constantly in order to clear his air passages. This makes his lungs more likely to be infected by bacteria. It also results in increased production of sputum.