How can men reduce their risk of developing respiratory illnesses?

Smoking damages the lungs and increases the risk of a number of diseases, such as lung cancer and COPD. Risk factors for chronic respiratory diseases include smoking (including second-hand smoking), air pollution, allergens, and occupational hazards. Outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution (often caused by cooking with solid fuels) are also common causes. Two examples of respiratory diseases that can restrict breathing are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the airway narrows and can be filled with excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Although it can't be cured, symptoms can be controlled. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diseases caused by smoking kill more than 480,000 people in the U.S. UU.

In fact, smoking is directly responsible for nearly 90% of deaths from lung cancer and COPD. Even with anti-smoking campaigns and health warnings, many people continue to smoke or start smoking every year. Approximately 8% of children under 18 years of age currently use tobacco.