Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Christopher Lanenga Kendra Tillis Mandy Duea Marna Nersesian Michael Eiden HCS 330 October 4, 2010 Sheela Hirao Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Although many have heard of the destruction smoking and nicotine can do, much only associate lung cancer with this deadly habit; however, a more common disease can develop. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the most frequent form of lung disease, which typically develops after long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and the airways. COPD breaks down into two forms, which are chronic bronchitis, a long-term cough with mucous, and emphysema, defined as a destruction of the lungs over time. In the United States, approximately
These problems include cough and phlegm production, an increase in the number and severity of respiratory illnesses, decreased physical fitness, an unfavorable lipid profile and potential retardation in the rate of lung growth and the level of maximum lung function. An estimated 440,000 Americans die each year from diseases caused by smoking. These illnesses include Lung Cancer, bronchitis, heart diseases, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and emphysema. As well as, of course, second hand smoking that presents the threat of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Many experts will also tell you second hand smoking is more dangerous than first hand, because of the unfiltered smoke containing 50 more cancerous substances than filtered cigarette smoke.
Then there's the most known "side-effect" oral cancer. Using chew tobacco has a direct effect on oral health. Cancers that distress the lips, gums, cheeks, or palate are quite frequent ("Smokeless"). Developing heart disease as a result of smokeless tobacco is not as familiar to folks as oral cancer. The user is at a greater risk of heart problems when using snuff.
At the end his story, he uses the hot-air balloon to emphasize his success of smoking; it releases him from mental disorders. It shows that he cures his disease by himself. Sedaris understands smoking’s health risk, but this is the most useful choice to help him be normal because he lacks of supports of others.
There are some obvious symptoms if you smoke, also some might have emphysema for many years without noticing any of the signs or symptoms. The main symptom for emphysema is if you have shortness of breath and you do smoke that begins gradually. You should get help or see your doctor if your shortness of breath is so bad that it makes it hard for you to talk. Also, if your lips or fingernails are turning blue or gray. Last but not least see a doctor if you are not mentally alert and you’re a smoker and your heartbeat is very fast.
And even though people hear about it, they continue with their bad habit. I guess they don’t get scared enough. But theres more. The substances I mentioned above is just a small part of what a cigarette actually contains. Each puff of smoke from a burning cigarette also include particles, gases and steam which emits 4700 different substances and chemical compounds.
Once addicted, the body will crave nicotine”. A study in the journal “Addictive Behaviors” found that most smokers who use e-cigs while they tried to quit either became hooked on vaping or reverted back to smoking cigarettes. In the end, e-cigarettes are converting millions of smokers into vapers still addicted to nicotine and expose to toxic chemicals that this new trend
I strongly believe the confronting, forceful way some advertisements, such as the new 2013 campaign Breathless do convince a small portion of society to quit. I think the harsh reality that these advertisements demonstrate would be hard to ignore. However that is only a small portion of people affected by these shocking advertisements, the rest of the population switch television stations. I see people buying cigarette packets all the time. I often think how can they buy these packets when the pictures on them are awful.
Smoking cigarettes is by far the main contributor to lung cancer. Cigarette smoke contains over 60 known carcinogens. The time a person smokes, as well as the rate of smoking, increases the person’s chance of developing lung cancer. If a person stops smoking, this chance steadily decreases as damage to the lungs is repaired and cancer causing agents are gradually removed. Tobacco companies are not responsible for what people do in their free time they are simply making a product that people like and making money in the meantime.
Long-term cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for COPD. Also pipe smokers, cigar smokers (especially when inhaled) and people exposed to large amounts of secondhand smoke are at risk. Long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapors and dusts often found in the work field can also irritate and damage your lungs. With the exception of a rare genetic disorder known as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, COPD is 100% preventable by not smoking and taking proper precautions in regards to inhalation of lung irritants. All of the preventable risks factors listed are irritants that damage the lungs over a period of years.