Question

What is the immediate physiological effect of tobacco smoke on the lungs?

Answer 1

Nicotine and cigarette smoke extract show acute physiological effects on lungs.

Explanation:

Cigarette smoke contains many chemicals that interfere with the body's method of filtering air and cleaning out the lungs. The smoke irritates the lungs and leads to overproduction of mucus. It also paralyses the cilia which results in accumulation of toxins and mucus, resulting in congestion of the lungs.

Tobacco smoke increases tracheal pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, systemic blood pressure and left atrium pressure. It decreases cardiac output and blood flow to the left lower lobe. It induces bronchoconstriction thus decreases peak flow in healthy subjects. It is also known to cause temporary slowing of mucociliary clearance of the lungs.