$Unique_ID{BRK02352}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Does Smoking Increase the Risk for any Lung Infection?}
$Subject{cigarette smoke heart disease lung cancer cancers infection
infections lungs smoker narrowed airways immune system smokers bronchitis
pneumonia emphysema smoking nose mouth Vocal cord throat irritation cough
hoarseness respiratory tract infectious nonsmoker spirometry tests cigarettes
system bronchi bronchioles behavior behaviors lifestyle lifestyles pulmonary
immunity spirometric}
$Volume{H-5,H-23}
$Log{
Cross Section of a Lung*0005901.scf
The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does Smoking Increase the Risk for any Lung Infection?


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QUESTION:  When my wife isn't complaining about the smell of my cigarette
smoke, she is warning me about heart disease.  Then the story changes to
cancer of the lung.  Her latest strategy is a story about the possibility of
increased risk for lung infection.  Is this just the product of a fertile mind
or is my wife right about this?

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ANSWER:  She most certainly is.  If you smoke, you change the function of your
lungs, so that they cannot fight infections that healthy lungs fight off every
day.  The changes in a smoker's lungs include physical changes such as
narrowed airways and chemical changes, and an altered immune system.  As a
result of these changes, smokers are more likely to get bronchitis, pneumonia
and emphysema.  The good news is that these changes are reversed when smoking
is stopped.  Of course, the quicker you stop smoking, the better off you'll
be.  And if you never smoke, you'll have the healthiest lungs possible.
     Smoking causes a 50 to 75 percent decrease in the smell and taste
functions of the nose and mouth.  Vocal cord and throat irritation caused by
smoking contribute to a cough and hoarseness.  Changes in the airways occur
long before symptoms are noticed by the smoker.  Within ten seconds of the
first inhaled cigarette smoke, large airway function declines, and after the
first two cigarettes, small airway constriction occurs.  One cigarette
depresses the activity of tiny hairs in the respiratory tract that help keep
the airways cleaned of infectious agents for several hours.  Magnify these
effects by many cigarettes every day for a number of years, and you can begin
to understand why the smoker gets lung infections easily, and why he can't
overcome a cold as quickly as the nonsmoker.
     Since smokers are often battling lung infections, they must take more
antibiotics than nonsmokers.  Antibiotics have side effects, and many people
develop resistance to them after several courses.  The best solution is not to
have to take them at all, but persons with lung infections don't often have a
choice.
     If you're a smoker and have not experienced an increased number and
severity of lung infections, don't think you are immune to problems.  With
each day of smoking, more changes occur in your respiratory tract.  The
changes may be silent for several years, only causing problems after the
damage is done.  If you want to check your lung function, inquire about
spirometry tests.  These tests measure the capacity of the airways, which is a
good indication of smoking damage.
     Some physicians recommend that flu shots are especially important to
smokers, because they will most likely suffer complications if they get
influenza.  The most important therapy, however, is to quit smoking as soon as
possible.
     From your letter it is clear that you are under constant attack from your
wife over your smoking problem.  And though her method may be annoying, her
philosophy is correct.  Or you might call it an act of love and concern.
     If you want to quit smoking, ask your family doctor about helping you.
Many family physicians have taken up arms against the health risks caused by
smoking and are anxious to help you quit the habit.  Where ever you wish to
obtain your help, make the decision now and get going.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.