T.S. Eliot, the renowned poet, suffered from emphysema, a chronic lung condition that affects breathing. The primary cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways. In Eliot’s case, the most significant factor was his heavy smoking habit. Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema, as it destroys the lung tissue and reduces the elasticity of the air sacs, making it difficult to breathe.
Additionally, Eliot lived in an era when air pollution was not as regulated as it is today, and he spent much of his life in cities like London, where air quality was poor. This prolonged exposure to polluted air likely exacerbated his condition. While there is no definitive evidence pinpointing the exact cause of Eliot’s emphysema, the combination of his smoking and environmental factors played a significant role in the development of his illness.