1.6.20

Effects of Smoking on the Respiratory System

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Smoking and the Respiratory System

Smoking can causes a range of very serious diseases. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemical such as nicotine, carbon monoxide and carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals).

Bronchitis

Bronchitis

  • When smoke is breathed in, it damages the cilia cells of the airways.
  • This means the cilia can't waft away the mucus produced by goblet cells, and the mucus builds up.
  • This can leads to bronchitis, where the airways are partly blocked with mucus.
Cancers

Cancers

  • The carcinogens can cause tumours to form in the airways.
    • Smoking can cause mouth, throat and lung cancers.
Emphysema

Emphysema

  • Smoke damages the walls of the alveoli, reducing their surface area.
  • This can cause emphysema, where gas exchange can't happen efficiently, causing shortness of breath.
Heart disease and strokes

Heart disease and strokes

  • Nicotine is very addictive and puts strain on the heart.
  • Carbon monoxide reduces the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen, which can also put strain on the heart.
  • Both of these substances can cause heart disease and strokes.
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