Fig. 63 —Photograph of consumption germs, the tiny rods which often grow and cause tuberculosis in bodies weakened by beer or whisky. Much enlarged.
Alcoholic Drink and the Lungs.—The most common disease of the lungs is tuberculosis. Nearly all bartenders who sell strong drink take some themselves. Lately it has been learned in Germany that tuberculosis causes one half of all the deaths among bartenders. Alcohol was once thought to be a good medicine for lung troubles, but it has been clearly proven that beer and whisky weaken the lungs and make them ready for the germs of disease. The body already weakened by the poison of the alcohol is then easily overcome by the disease.
Tobacco and the Lungs.—The occasional use of tobacco does not seem to hurt the lungs when fully grown. A study of many young persons has shown that the chest of smokers grows much more slowly than in those who do not use tobacco. As the lungs cannot grow any faster than the chest, they must grow slowly in boys using much tobacco.
Tobacco is a common cause of sore throat. Many smokers have been compelled to quit the habit because of throat troubles.
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
1. Where are the lungs located?
2. What do the tubes in the lungs carry?
3. What part of the air do we use in the body?
4. Tell how the air gets into the lungs.
5. What passes from the blood into the air sacs?
6. Why should we breathe through the nose?
7. Why should you keep the fingers away from the nose?
8. What are the vocal cords?
9. Give two reasons why no one should spit on the floor.
10. Tell how alcohol harms the lungs.