Does smoking affect the difficulty in breathing?

Absolutely, yes: When you smoke anything, you are inhaling toxins into your lungs. Your lungs respond by constricting bronchioles. Your initial result may be difficulty breathing . . . If severe, or sudden like in acute asthma, you can die. Chronic lung disease can develop also. Smoking can encourage lung cancer to grow too.

Yes: Smoking cigarettes harms the lungs/ respiratory system. It can cause a buildup of mucus with swelling & narrowing of airways. Toxins, particulate matter, bacteria & viruses may not be cleared as well increasing risk for infections. The mucosa (lining) can become irritated. Coughing, wheezing and poorer air exchange can occur.