Chronic Bronchitis
- prolonged exposure to irritant particles that are found in tobacco smoke may cause chronic bronchitis.
- epithelium lining of air passaged (airways) - for example bronchi becomes inflamed
- excessive mucus is secreted by epithelium
- cilia on epithelium are paralyzed, mucus and dust particles cannot be removed.
- air passages become blocked, making breathing difficult
- in order to breathe, persistent coughing occurs to clear the air passages. increases risk of lung infections.
Emphysema
persistent and violent coughing due to bronchitis may lead to emphysema
- partition walls between alveoli break down due to persistent and violent coughing
- results in a decreased surface area for gaseous exchange
- lungs lose their elasticity and become inflated with air
- breathing becomes difficult, wheezing and severe breathlessness result.
→ when person has chronic bronchitis and emphysema - he is said to suffer from chronic obstructive lung disease.
Lung cancer
risk of lung cancer - when person smokes tobacco
smoking also increases risk of cancer of mouth, throat, pancreas, kidney, and urinary bladder
refer to Diseases caused by tobacco smoke