Lung Cancer
Cigarette smoke contains about 4,000 identifiable
chemicals, more than 60 of which are identified
carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Among
them are tar, arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydro-
carbon (PAH) compounds, formaldehyde, and
nitrosamines. Smoking accounts for more than 90
percent of LUNG CANCER in the United States.
Among cancers, lung cancer is the leading killer of
both men and women. Part of the reason the out-
look is so poor for lung cancer is that by the time
it shows symptoms it is fairly advanced and often
has spread to other organs throughout the body.
Pulmonary Benefits of Smoking Cessation
Much, though not all, of the damage cigarette smok-
ing does will gradually repair itself when the person
no longer smokes. The rate of decline of lung func-
tion will slow, and chronic cough and sputum
production often improve. Cardiovascular risk also
drops significantly after smoking cessation. Risk for
head and neck and lung cancers also decreases.
See also ANTISMOKING EFFORTS; ASBESTOSIS;
ASTHMA; ENVIRONMENTAL CIGARETTE SMOKE; SMOKING
AND HEALTH.sputum The mucus and secretions the pul-
monary tract produces, mixed with debris and for-
eign matter that enter the airways. Sputum is a
normal body fluid, though excessive amounts of
sputum often signal pulmonary disease. The color
and consistency of sputum provide clues about the
health of the LUNGSand airways, though are not
reliable diagnostic characteristics by themselves.
Sputum culture is the only way to know whether
an INFECTIONis bacterial. A reliable sputum culture
requires deep coughing to bring sputum from
within the lungs.
See also HEMOPTYSIS.stridor See BREATH SOUNDS.suffocation See ASPHYXIATION.sufffocation 231