While these death rates cause concern, lung disease affects many more people as a chronic condition every day. The good news is that many lung diseases can be prevented by smoking cessation, avoiding environments with irritants to the lungs, and other lifestyle choices. In this section, you'll learn about how the lungs work and how to prevent lung disease. Lung disease links All About Asthma Click here to return to the MedGraphics home page . Lung disease is the number one disabler of American workers.
Cigarette smoking is the major cause of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Lungs provide oxygen to your blood and remove carbon dioxide from it. They are located within your chest and are protected on the sides, back and front by your ribs and the cartilage and muscle between them. Your diaphragm separates your chest cavity from your abdomen. Your heart is between your lungs, located over one corner of the left lung. Soft and spongy, healthy lungs are a mottled pinkish gray color.