Complete recovery expected. Chronic bronchitis results in a narrowing of air passages and leads to increased difficulty in breathing. Repeated infections are due to excess phlegm buildup and can result in emphysema . There is a synergistic effect with smoking . Death can occur in either advanced bronchitis or emphysema from fatal infections or from failure of the respiratory system to provide enough oxygen for the body to survive.
Pneumoconiosis occurs when lung tissue reacts to the accumulation of dust in the lungs.
Often fatal from oxygen starvation. Silicosis , talcosis , and black lung are caused by asbestos. The heart may be damaged by barium and cobalt compounds, nicotine, solvents, physical stress, heat, noise, vibrations, and conditions forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. Effects are worsened if blood must be pumped through narrowed blood vessels of lungs that have lung scarring damage. Some damaging materials include, ethyl alcohol, chlorinated hydrocarbons, cadmium, solvents, lead, and arsenic.