Smoking damages ciliated cells primarily through harmful chemicals that cause paralysis.
The Impact of Smoking on Ciliated Cells
Ciliated cells, which line the airways, play a vital role in clearing mucus and debris from the lungs. Smoking severely compromises this function.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Paralysis of Cilia: Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that paralyse these cilia, leading to a build-up of mucus. This paralysis prevents the cilia from effectively sweeping away irritants and pathogens.
- Irritation and Inflammation: Smoke irritates the bronchi, causing bronchitis and inflammation. This inflammation further impairs ciliary function.
Consequences of Ciliary Damage
When cilia are damaged, several health problems can arise:
- Smoker's Cough: The build-up of mucus due to paralyzed cilia results in a persistent cough, commonly known as a smoker's cough.
- Increased Risk of Infection: With impaired mucus clearance, the lungs become more susceptible to infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Chronic Bronchitis: Long-term irritation and inflammation of the bronchi lead to chronic bronchitis.
- Increased Cancer Risk: The accumulation of carcinogens in the lungs, due to the failure of ciliary clearance, increases the risk of lung cancer.
