Smoking Health Effects - How Does Smoking Affect The Respiratory System

The respiratory system of the human body is what gives us the ability to breathe. We take in oxygen via the nostrils or the mouth, inflating the lungs, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body. Without it, cells begin to die and organs shut down leading to ischemia. Smoking has an effect on the health of the respiratory system, leading to inability to breathe effectively.

What is the respiratory system?

The lungs are the main organs of the respiratory system. The lungs contain air sacs called alveoli, that are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and gases. Other organs of the respiratory system include:

• Trachea


• Bronchi


• Left and right Pulmonary arteries


• Diaphragm

The effects of smoking on the respiratory system:

Smoking causes changes to occur in the lungs and bronchi, such as damage to the tiny hairs or cilia that capture debris, as well as causing increased production of thick mucous in the lungs. This results in narrowing of the airways and destruction of lung tissue. Additionally, smoking causes diseases of the lungs, such as:

• Emphysema


• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)


• Lung cancer

Not only can smoking cause devastating illness, it is also responsible for respiratory infections and heart disease. Smoking deposits particles of tar on the delicate tissues of the lungs, which also contains a carcinogen known as benzopyrene. Of special note here is that benzopyrene can also be found in charbroiled foods. In other words, cooking out on the grill may be fun, but it carries risks of cancer with it.

Inhaling substances that are cancer causing also lead to harm of the trachea and larynx, as well as the lungs ability to function normally. In addition to this, smoking can result in infections of the lungs, hypertension, and increased clotting of the blood. There is increased risk of decreased bone density and reduced immune system function.

Other diseases caused by smoking:

Chronic bronchitis: Is inflammation of the bronchi resulting in productive cough of mucous or phlegm.

Emphysema: A disease that affects the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, coughing, lethargy, sleep disturbances, heart disease, weight loss, and depression.

Lung cancer: Is an overgrowth of cells resulting in tumors or lesions. Symptoms of lung cancer include: a productive cough of bloody sputum, difficulty swallowing, facial and neck swelling, and hoarseness.

Symptoms of second hand smoke include:

• Hypersensitivity of the eyes, nose, and throat


• Coughing


• Extreme mucous production


• Discomfort in the chest area

When children are exposed to second hand smoke, this can result in increased upper respiratory infections, asthma, and possibly sudden infant death syndrome. If you are a smoker and have children, for their sake and your own, stop smoking. If you must smoke, do it outside of the house away from the children. Don't pollute their air with your cigarette smoke, as this will have an adverse effect on their health.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT