Tobacco-Related Illnesses

Anatomy of the Lungs

Emphysema Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that results in shortness of breath and reduces your capacity for physical activity.

How do you think it might feel to have emphysema? Effects of Emphysema When emphysema is advanced, you must work so hard to expel air from your lungs that just the simple act of breathing can consume a great deal of energy. Because emphysema develops gradually over many years, you may not experience symptoms such as shortness of breath until irreversible damage has already occurred. How do you think it might feel to have emphysema?

Chronic bronchitis Bronchitis is a condition that occurs when the inner walls that line the main air passageways of your lungs (bronchial tubes) become infected and inflamed.

atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats in and on your artery walls (plaques), which can restrict blood flow.

Lung cancer Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, among both men and women. It claims more lives each year than colon, prostate, lymph and breast cancers combined.

The Warning! Most lung cancer deaths could be prevented. Smoking accounts for nearly 90 percent of lung cancer cases. Your risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you smoke.

leukoplakia Leukoplakia is a condition in which thickened, white patches form on your gums, on the inside of your cheeks, the bottom of your mouth and sometimes on your tongue. These patches can't easily be scraped off.

The Warning! Leukoplakia can lead to cancer!

Smoking: Is it worth the risk?