Smoking lungs
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "smoking lungs"
Consensus Meter
The Impact of Smoking on Lung Health
Smoking and Respiratory Diseases
Lung Cancer and Smoking
Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for 30 to 40% of cancer deaths. Epidemiological studies consistently show a strong association between smoking and lung cancer in both men and women. The chemicals in cigarette smoke, including known mutagens and carcinogens, are absorbed and metabolized, causing genetic changes that lead to cancer . Despite aggressive treatments, the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer remains below 10%.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies show that smokers have a fourfold increased risk of COPD compared to non-smokers. Quitting smoking can lead to improvements in lung function and a slower rate of lung function decline, comparable to that of never-smokers.
Asthma and Other Respiratory Conditions
Smoking also exacerbates asthma and increases the risk of asthma exacerbations. Both active and passive smoking are linked to higher rates of asthma, wheeze, and lower respiratory infections, particularly in children. Additionally, smoking is associated with sleep apnea and tuberculosis.
Smoking Cessation and Lung Function
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
Quitting smoking is the most effective step smokers can take to improve their lung health. Studies show that smokers who quit experience significant improvements in lung function and a reduction in respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath . For instance, quitters in a smoking cessation trial showed a significant increase in FEF25-75%, a measure of peripheral airway function, and a substantial reduction in respiratory symptoms.
Long-Term Improvements
Long-term benefits of smoking cessation include a slower decline in lung function and a reduced risk of developing severe respiratory diseases. Even smokers with mild-to-moderate airway obstruction benefit from quitting, experiencing improvements in lung function and a slower rate of decline.
Smoking and Diffuse Lung Diseases
Interstitial and Bronchiolar Lung Diseases
Cigarette smoking is a principal cause of several diffuse interstitial and bronchiolar lung diseases, such as respiratory bronchiolitis-interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD), desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP), and adult pulmonary Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis (PLCH). Smoking cessation can lead to improvements in these conditions, while re-exposure to tobacco smoke can cause recurrence.
Other Lung Conditions
Smoking is also implicated as a potential co-factor in the development of acute eosinophilic pneumonia, usual interstitial pneumonia, and rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease.
Cannabis Smoking and Lung Health
Differences from Tobacco
While cannabis smoking is associated with large airway inflammation and symptoms of bronchitis, it does not appear to lead to significant abnormalities in lung function or a clear link to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . However, there are case reports of bullous emphysema among heavy cannabis smokers, though systematic studies have not confirmed these findings.
Potential Risks
Marijuana smoke contains carcinogens and cocarcinogens, but studies have not found a significant link between marijuana smoking and lung cancer, except possibly with heavy, long-term use . There is also some evidence suggesting an increased risk of pneumonia due to the immunosuppressive effects of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, though further studies are needed.
Conclusion
Smoking has profound negative effects on lung health, significantly increasing the risk of lung cancer, COPD, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Quitting smoking leads to substantial improvements in lung function and a reduction in respiratory symptoms. While cannabis smoking also affects lung health, its impact differs from that of tobacco, with less clear links to severe lung diseases. Public health measures and smoking cessation programs are crucial in mitigating the harmful effects of smoking on respiratory health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic