Water in the lungs from smoking

[Jeffrey19]

Hey all,

What is it called when smokers get water building up in their lungs? What's the name of this illness, and if you continue to smoke is it a sure fire method to get buried 6ft under in no time? Thanks.

[JSHRN]

Hi Jeffrey19.

 

The buildup of fluid in the lungs is called pulmonary eema and can result nagging cough that may worsen when lying down.

 

Smokers need to quit. Smoking has many adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels. Among other things, it accelerates the progression of coronary heart disease and diminishes the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to the body. Pulmonary edema is usually caused by heart failure that results in increased pressure in the pulmonary (lung) veins. However, problems within the lungs themselves can also result in fluid accumulation.

 

Pulmonary edema can be a complication of a heart attack, leaking or narrowed heart valves, or any disease of the heart that either results in weakening and/or stiffening of the heart muscle. The failing heart transmits its increased pressure to the lung veins. As pressure in the lung veins rises, fluid is pushed into the air spaces. This fluid then becomes a barrier to normal oxygen delivery, resulting in shortness of breath.

 

Pulmonary edema can also be caused by direct lung injury from toxins including heat and poisonous gas (smoking), severe infection, or an excess of body fluid as seen in kidney failure. Pulmonary edema is the most severe manifestation of congestive heart failure (in which the heart can't pump enough blood to the body's other organs.

 

Pulmonary edema often isn't preventable, but to help reduce your risk don't smoke. If you smoke, the most important thing you can do for your heart and lung health is to stop. Continuing to smoke increases your risk of a second heart attack or heart-related death and your risk of lung cancer and other lung problems such as emphysema. What's more, you're at risk even if you don't smoke but live or work with someone who does. Exposure to secondhand smoke has been shown to be a contributing factor to coronary artery disease. If you can't stop smoking by yourself, ask your doctor to prescribe a treatment plan to help you quit.

 

I hope this helps.

 

JSHRN

[Toodle]

Smoking Ban in Greece?

Does any body know if the No Smoking Ban is going to be introduced this Summer? I couldn't find too much on t'internet about it apart from this.