Causes of Emphysema
Smoking Facts on What Causes Emphysema

There are three main causes of emphysema. The smoking facts reveal that cigarette smoke tops the list.

Genetic enzyme deficiencies and certain occupational exposures can also cause emphysema and if present these conditions are made worse by the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes.

Look at any list of what causes emphysema and you will find cigarette smoking listed at the very top. Cigarette smoking accounts for more than 80% of all cases of emphysema.

The changes that take place in the lungs with repeated inhalation of hot tobacco smoke are one of the most significant harmful smoking effects on the body. Over time the airways are damaged so significantly that mucus accumulation becomes significant and can even cause obstruction.

Hyperinflation of the tiny air sacs in the lungs and damage to the lung tissue itself makes it difficult to get carbon dioxide filled air out of the lungs. Eventually your body becomes chronically starved for oxygen.

Smoking Facts about Occupational Exposures

Some causes of emphysema are known to be from occupational exposure to known irritants over a long period of time. Workers in these circumstances can sustain damage to the lung tissue similar to the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes.

Small solid particles such as dust,and certain chemicals in the gaseous state are irritating to the lungs and can cause damage. These types of occupational risks are managed by proper protection of the worker such as using a properly fitted respirator.

Ironically many workers protect their lungs with a respirator but do not try to protect their lungs from the harmful effects of smoking.

Occupational exposures are known to be exacerbated by cigarette smoking as the irritating particles or gases in the work environment are drawn deeper into the lungs with each puff on the cigarette.

Smoking Facts About Genetic Enzyme Deficiencies

There is a specific protein in the lungs called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). It is thought to be protective against the damage caused to lung tissue by smoking cigarettes.

A certain small percentage of the population (about .2%) has a deficiency of this enzyme and as a result they are more vulnerable to lung damage caused by air pollution, or other noxious substances such as the many chemicals in cigarettes.

Don't Ignore the Smoking Facts about What Causes Emphysema

Cigarette smoking tops the list of the causes of emphysema. Occupational exposures or genetic enzyme deficiencies are almost certain to make the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes worse and vice versa.

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