Can smoking cause emphysema? Is it serious?
Disease description:
My husband often smokes—one pack a day. I'd like to ask, can smoking lead to emphysema, and how serious is it?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Smoking is closely associated with the development of emphysema. Cigarette smoke contains numerous harmful substances, such as tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide, which can reduce the elasticity of the airways, increase lung volume, and impair the airway's ability to clear debris. Emphysema is generally a serious condition and causes irreversible damage that usually cannot be completely cured.
