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How Smoking Causes Lung Inflammation

1. Irritation of Lung Tissues: Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are toxic. These irritate the airways and lung tissue, leading to swelling and inflammation.
   
   
2. Immune System Activation: The chemicals in smoke damage cells in the lungs, prompting the immune system to respond. This response causes inflammation as the body attempts to repair the damage.
   
   
3. Impaired Lung Defenses: Smoking weakens the cilia (tiny hair-like structures that clear mucus and debris from the lungs), making it harder to remove harmful particles. This leads to persistent inflammation.

Effects of Chronic Inflammation from Smoking

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
   • Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
   • In chronic bronchitis, inflammation causes mucus buildup, leading to a persistent cough and difficulty breathing.
   • In emphysema, inflammation damages the alveoli (air sacs), reducing the lungs' ability to absorb oxygen.
     
     
2. Asthma Exacerbation: Smoking can worsen asthma by increasing airway inflammation and making the airways hyperreactive.
   
   
3. Increased Risk of Infections: Chronic inflammation weakens lung defenses, making smokers more susceptible to respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.
   
   
4. Lung Cancer: Chronic inflammation from smoking can lead to DNA damage in lung cells, increasing the risk of cancer development.