Causes of Emphysema: What Lies Behind Them?
Secondhand smoke, a mixture of smoke from a burning cigarette and the smoke exhaled by a smoker, poses a significant risk to one's health, particularly in relation to a lung condition known as emphysema.
Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of diseases that cause airflow obstruction and breathing problems. It's important to note that while scientists have yet to discover other genetic mutations that can lead to emphysema, smoking remains the most common risk factor.
Male smokers are 12 times more likely than male nonsmokers to die from COPD, and the risk is even higher for female smokers, who are 13 times more likely to die from COPD than their nonsmoking counterparts.
Long-term exposure to air pollution, including ozone, and certain occupations that involve prolonged exposure to dust, fumes, or toxic chemicals also increase the risk of developing emphysema.
Secondhand smoke contributes to emphysema by inducing inflammation and damage to the alveoli and bronchial epithelium, destroying lung tissue elasticity and alveolar structure, increasing mucus production, causing airway constriction, and leading to progressive impairment of lung function. Over time, this can result in the destruction and loss of elasticity of the alveoli, reducing lung function and causing emphysema.
Chronic exposure to secondhand smoke, especially during childhood or over long periods, significantly raises the risk of emphysema and other forms of COPD. Research shows that long-term passive smoking doubles the risk of COPD, a condition often caused by emphysema, particularly in women. Secondhand smoke also worsens symptoms in people who already have COPD and lowers the immune system’s ability to fight lung infections, which can further damage lung tissue.
If you experience symptoms of COPD, including shortness of breath, chronic cough, coughs that produce a lot of mucus, wheezing, chest tightness, it's crucial to talk to your doctor. The prevalence of COPD is two to three times higher in people aged 60 and over.
Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to prevent COPD. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help reduce cravings when quitting smoking. Avoiding exposure to irritants such as chemical fumes, dust, and secondhand smoke can also help reduce the risk of developing emphysema.
Early detection and treatment can prevent emphysema from becoming severe or life-threatening. Having alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) can predispose someone to develop emphysema or COPD. Using certain polluting fuels and technologies in the home can release harmful particles that can enter and damage the lungs.
Seeking help from friends, family members, or support groups can also be beneficial when quitting smoking. It's important to remember that cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the body and lungs.
Emphysema affects approximately 15 million people in the United States. The SERPINA1 gene, which codes for a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), is associated with A1AD. If you suspect you may be at risk or are experiencing symptoms, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional.
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