There are currently 1856 people waiting for a lung transplant in the U.S. (this # will probably change by the time you look it up for yourself). The median wait time for the years 2003-2004 for those in the age group 35-49 was 1059 DAYS.
Smoking damages the new lungs, putting the person at greater risk for lung infections, including bronchitis, emphysema and pneumonia. It also increases the risk of developing cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death after transplantation and smoking dramatically increases the risk of developing lung and other cancers after lung transplant. Smoking diminishes the red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen, so less oxygen reaches the tissues and this decreases the personâs ability to heal. Smoking narrows blood vessels, especially those in the legs, arms, and heart. Smoking also increases the acid in the stomach which will delay or prevent the healing of any ulcers that may develop. Plus, all of these problems are more serious in individuals taking immunosuppressive medications.
Question
Do you think smokers should get lung transplants? Why or why not? State your position and defend it with credible documentation.
There are currently 1856 people waiting for a lung transplant in the U.S. (this # will probably change by the time you look it up for yourself). The median wait time for the years 2003-2004 for those in the age group 35-49 was 1059 DAYS.
Smoking damages the new lungs, putting the person at greater risk for lung infections, including bronchitis, emphysema and pneumonia. It also increases the risk of developing cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death after transplantation and smoking dramatically increases the risk of developing lung and other cancers after lung transplant. Smoking diminishes the red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen, so less oxygen reaches the tissues and this decreases the personâs ability to heal. Smoking narrows blood vessels, especially those in the legs, arms, and heart. Smoking also increases the acid in the stomach which will delay or prevent the healing of any ulcers that may develop. Plus, all of these problems are more serious in individuals taking immunosuppressive medications.
Question
Do you think smokers should get lung transplants? Why or why not? State your position and defend it with credible documentation.
