The effect of smoking on the respiratory tract


The effects of smoking on the respiratory tract are multifaceted and far-reaching and are analysed in detail below:I. Respiratory Inflammation and DamageWhen smoking, smoke from tobacco combustion contains thousands of harmful substances such as nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, etc. These harmful substances enter the lungs through the respiratory tract, causing direct irritation and damage to the respiratory mucous membranes. Substances such as tar and nicotine can undermine the integrity of the upper skin cells of the gas route, resulting in swelling and constricting of the airway wall, thus triggering inflammation response 21. This inflammatory response not only leads to respiratory difficulties, but may further develop into chronic bronchitis, pneumoconiosis and other chronic diseases.II. Decline in fibre-breath removal functionFibres on respiratory mucous membranes are important defences for the removal of pathogenic microorganisms and foreign matter. However, long-term smoking can destroy the fibrous structure and reduce the removal function of the fibrous. This means that mucous and pathogen microorganisms in the respiratory tract are more likely to remain, thus increasing the risk of infection and making sluice difficult to excrete, exacerbating cough and cough symptoms2.III. Increased and reconstructed airway resistanceSmoking can cause airway smoothing muscles to contract, increase airway resistance and make breathing more difficult. Long-term smoking also leads to the reorganisation of the airway, i.e., the thickening of its walls and the narrowness of its cavity, which further exacerbates the narrowness of the airway and the difficulty of breathing. This process of re-engineering is irreversible and can seriously affect the quality of life of patients.IV. Pulmonary decline and respiratory diseasesLong-term smoking can lead to a gradual decline in lung function, in the form of reduced lung activity and reduced aerobics. This not only affects day-to-day mobility but may also induce multiple respiratory diseases. For example, smoking is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by restricted air currents and may develop into pulmonary heart disease and respiratory failure in serious cases. In addition, smoking increases the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma, pneumonia and tuberculosis.16V. Increasing lung cancer riskCarcinogens in tobacco, such as nicotine and cyanic acid, have long-term effects on respiratory mucous membranes, which can cause cytogen mutations and eventually lead to lung cancer. Lung cancer is a malignant tumour originating in a bronchial mucous membrane or gland, with morbidity and mortality rates significantly higher than among non-smokers.Impact on pregnant women and childrenTobacco use by pregnant women affects not only the health of their own respiratory system but also the development of the foetus ‘ s respiratory system through placenta, increasing the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and respiratory distress syndrome. Exposure of children to second-hand smoke also affects the normal development of their respiratory system and increases the risk of asthma and respiratory infections.VII. Repression of the immune systemSmoking inhibits the functioning of the immune system and reduces the resistance of organisms to pathogenic microorganisms. This means that smokers are more vulnerable to respiratory infections and may experience more symptoms and recover more slowly after infection.In conclusion, the effects of smoking on the respiratory tract are multifaceted, far-reaching and irreversible. In order to protect respiratory health and prevent the occurrence and development of respiratory diseases, early cessation or reduction of smoking is recommended. Care must also be taken to avoid the hazards of inhalation of second-hand smoke and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The above is the harm of smoking to the respiratory tract, which is more harmful to the body and can cause a variety of diseases, and calls for less smoking and less smoking.