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Smoking can take years off your life in two ways.

  • By promoting diseases such as emphysema and cancer of the lungs or throat. These either spread to other areas or prevent the proper functioning of the lungs and airways. Such diseases can be fatal in a short period of time.
  • The same action that causes emphysema also prevents the lungs from obtaining enough oxygen. Tar and other contaminants are dissolved in the fluids of the lungs to create a sticky black film. This can block air flow and also cause irritation and swelling. The collection of fluid can lead to pneumonia, and the blockage of alveoli causes hyperventilation. Both of these conditions cause deterioration of general bodily health.

Fortunately, the destruction of lung functions is slowed by the body's own repair system. It can take many years before the chronic effects become apparent, but by that time significant irreversible damage may have been done. Stopping smoking will reverse many of the lesser symptoms and restore healthy lung conditions.

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15y ago

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