This is a lung after 20 years of smoking a pack a day. The person developed COPD and died.
When you see the way it inflates and deflates compared to a normal lung, there is a marked difference—primarily on the deflation side.
The smoking lung instantly collapses after each breath, as the walls have been weakened. They can no longer keep air in the lungs.
The healthy lung slowly deflates after each breath, going out like a balloon with a tiny hole in it.
- About COPD -
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. When a person smokes, the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the airways and air sacs in the lungs. This damage causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it harder to breathe.
Over time, smoking can cause the air sacs in the lungs to lose their elasticity, making it difficult to exhale. This leads to a buildup of air in the lungs, which can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms of COPD.
Smoking can also cause chronic bronchitis, which is a type of COPD that involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This inflammation causes excess mucus production and coughing.
It is important to note that quitting smoking can help slow the progression of COPD and improve lung function. If you are a smoker and experiencing symptoms of COPD, it is important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.