Lung Disease Data
Applied Science: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, topic 4.6.6
Smoking and Lung Cancer
Smoking can have harmful impacts on lung function. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemical such as nicotine, carbon monoxide and carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals).
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 lead to bronchitis, where the airways are partly blocked with mucus.
Cancers
- The carcinogens can cause tumours to form in the airways.
- Smoking can cause mouth, throat and lung cancers.
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
- 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.
Test yourself on Lung Disease Data
Which of the following diseases is NOT caused by smoking?