Lungs
Alcohol causes an increase in the fluid accumulation in the lungs and can lead to chronic lung infections. It also causes or aggravates emphysema, bronchitis, and other pulmonary diseases. Alcohol reduces the ability of the respiratory system to defend itself against disease. This happens partly because alcohol decreases the cough and gag reflexes that help keep the respiratory tract clear. In addition, alcohol can interfere with the part of the brain that controls breathing, causing respiratory failure and death.