Question

You are explaining the causes of smokers cough to a c lient, including altered function of the cila in the ining of large respiratory passages. Which of these is true? 

• Smoking damages the cilla,rendering them unable to sweep mucus out of the respiratory passages, resulting in coughing. 
• Smoking causes the cilia to produce more mucus, resulting in coughing
• Toxins in cigarette smoke irritate nerves under the clia, causing a cough.
• Cigarette smoke causes an overgrowth of cilia, leading to cough

Answer 1

Smoking damages the cilia rendering them unable to sweep mucus out of respiratory passage causing cough

The cilia in your lungs are damaged or completely paralysed by certain chemicals in cigarette smoke. This means that any toxins usually cleaned up by the cilia instead just settle in your lungs. After a while, this can lead to a build-up of mucus.