LUNG DAMAGE

Asthmatics have very sensitive airways. Smoking tobacco products is generally acknowledged as a potential cause for increasing the number and severity of asthma attacks in people with the disease.  One reason for the increase in attacks is that inhaled smoke contributes to physiological changes within the lungs.  Cilia, the tiny hairs that line lung tissues, are supposed to sweep pollens and other irritants out of the lungs during coughing.  Tobacco smoke damages these tiny hairs and prevents them from performing their function.  When the lungs are unable to rid themselves of harmful irritants, inflammation and increased mucus production usually occur. Excess mucus can block already sensitive airways and produce more severe asthma symptoms.

P.S.  Smoke inhaled from other people’s cigarettes and cigars can trigger wheezing and coughing episodes in asthmatics.



< < Back to All Articles