Respiratory System

Structure and Function

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when chronic inflammation of the lungs results in the replacement of normal, elastic lung tissue with nonelastic scar tissue. Exposure to coal dust, asbestos, and silica are the most common causes of pulmonary fibrosis.

Smoking has terrible consequences on the lungs, throat, heart, and overall health in general. (c) iStockphoto.com/Vikram.
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