Effects of Smoking on the Respiratory System
Science: KS3, topic 1.6.21
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
- 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
- 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 Effects of Smoking on the Respiratory System
Which disease is NOT caused by smoking?
Why does emphysema make a person feel short of breath?
Why does carbon monoxide put strain on a smoker's heart?