According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, emphysema affects over 2 million Americans, the majority of whom are 50 years old and over.

Former Guide to About.com Smoking Cessation, Christine Rowley suffered from emphysema and wrote this poignant account of what it is like to live with this disease:

• Why You Don't Want Emphysema -- Christine's Story

Emphysema is a slow killer, progressing gradually over a period of many years. The damage done to the lungs with emphysema is irreversible, but if a person stops smoking early on in the disease, it may be possible to arrest further development and improve one's quality of life.

More:

• Emphysema Causes and Symptoms

• Emphysema Facts and Statistics

• Emphysema Photo Gallery

_{Illustration courtesy of A.D.A.M.}

...The Benefits Begin!

It is never too late to quit smoking.

If you've smoked for a long time and worry that quitting won't make any difference for you, think again. The physical benefits begin within just 20 minutes, and continue on for years.

After The Last Cigarette

Quitting tobacco is a smart and loving choice for yourself, regardless of how long you've smoked.

After You Quit Smoking:

• The First Two Days

• Two Weeks to Three Months

• One to Nine Months

• One Year Smoke Free

• 5 to 15 Years

_{Photo © Stockxpert}

A smoker for 50 years, About.com Smoking Cessation support forum member Walt was kind enough to share the story of how heart disease crept into his life and how it fueled his motivation to quit smoking.

• A Message to Those Who "Can't" Quit Smoking

Sadly, Walt eventually lost his battle with heart disease, but may well have prolonged his life by quitting when he did.  Read his story and let it help you put smoking behind you sooner rather than later.

Smoking-Related Disease Personal Accounts:

Stroke - Paul's Story
Oral Cancer - Marlene's Story
Emphysema - Christine's Story

_{Image © Walt}

While smoking cessation will eventually reduce the amount of stress in your life, initially it creates a bit more.

The Stress of Quitting Tobacco

Physically, our bodies are reacting to the absence of the chemicals in the cigarettes we used to smoke.  Emotionally, we are beginning the work of letting go ... and facing down the associations we've built up with smoking over the years.

Thankfully, the discomforts are all temporary.  With some education and support, we all have what it takes to leave tobacco behind permanently.

More Reading:

• About.com Smoking Cessation Support Forum

• 10 Tips for Stress Reduction When You Quit Smoking

_{Image © iStockphoto}