Most people know that smoking is bad for the lungs. in fact, the condition results when blood vessels in the lungs become blocked. symptoms of pulmonary hypertension unhealthy lungs symptoms are often mistaken for simply being out of shape, and include chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, achy joints, and getting tired easily. 9 early signs of lung cancer healthline. Copd, a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs, includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. chronic bronchitis can cause a cough that brings up colored sputum. emphysema causes shortness of breath and damages the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli). most people with copd are current or former smokers. Understanding the relationship between your lungs and your heart can help explain why pulmonary edema may occur. how your lungs work. your lungs contain many small, elastic air sacs called alveoli. with each breath, these air sacs take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide....