MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Smoking and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder)

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Smoking and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder)

Cigarettes contain many hazardous substances that damage the lung when inhaled, including tar nicotine, carbon monoxide, and cyanide. Long-term exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and/or repeated respiratory infections also can increase a person's risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

Update Date: 9/24/2008

Updated by: Benjamin Medoff, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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