Question

Differentiate specific examples of respiratory complications that may develop secondary to smoke exposure, secondary smoke, and/or asthmatic irritants.

Answer 1

Smoke exposure of the respiratory tract due to cigarette or tobocco consumption may lead to many malignant and nonmalignant diseases of respiratory system. The toxins and other particles get adsorbed in respiratory tract leading to serious pulmonary complications. They cause changes in the airway lining, epithelium and the bronchioles.These include carcinoma of respiratory organs like lungs, mouth. COPD, emphysema and chronic brochitis are common in smokers. Pneumonia, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are also seen as a pulmonary complication in such people.

Passive smoke exposure have same effect on respiratory symptoms but they are less severe. It may cause irritation of eyes and nasal mucosa. It causes decreased lung functions, cough and chest discomfort. Chronic exposure includes malignant diseases. Other complications include asthma, COPD.

Exposure to asthmatic irritants cause exaggeration of allergic symptoms causing watery eyes, nasal mucosal irritation, increased mucus production, irritation of the airways.