Bronchitis: The Villain Who Sneaks in Every Exhale of Your Cigarette!

Inhaling cigarette smoke is a habit that can actually increase the risk of bronchitis. 

Cigarette smoke has the potential to damage the airways and trigger inflammation which can trigger bronchitis symptoms.

Bronchitis is inflammation or irritation of the bronchial tubes, namely the pipes that connect the throat to the lungs. Bronchitis can cause coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and sore throat. Bronchitis can occur due to viral or bacterial infections, or due to exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, or pollution.

Bronchitis can be divided into two types, namely acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually lasts around 10-14 days, while chronic bronchitis can last for 3 months or more. 

 

Bronchitis can be treated with cough medicine, antibiotics, and drinking lots of water. Bronchitis can be prevented by not smoking, washing your hands, and wearing a mask.

According to several sources, children are more susceptible to bronchitis than adults. This is because children's immune systems are still developing and not yet perfect, so they are more easily infected by viruses or bacteria that cause bronchitis. 

 

Apart from that, children are also more often exposed to allergens, pollution, or cigarette smoke which can trigger bronchitis.

Cigarette smoke contains various dangerous chemicals that can damage the respiratory system and immune system. When a person inhales them, these substances enter the lungs and damage the protective lining of the bronchi. As a result, the airways become irritated and inflamed.

Exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of bronchitis due to the content of certain chemicals. Here are some of these chemicals:

chemicals of Cigarettes

 

1. Nicotine: 

 

This is a type of narcotic that is generally found in tobacco and is one of the main components of cigarette smoke. Nicotine can cause inflammation of the bronchi, disrupting the normal function of the airways, and increasing the risk of bronchitis. Nicotine can also affect the user's brain, heart, lungs, skin and mental health. Nicotine can also cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it.

2. Tar: 

 

A sticky substance formed when the organic components of tobacco are burned. Tar can stick to the walls of the airways, causing irritation and inflammation. Continuous exposure to tar can trigger chronic bronchitis.

3. Carbon Monoxide: 

 

Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas produced by burning tobacco sticks. Carbon monoxide can bind to hemoglobin in the blood and affect the blood's ability to carry oxygen. This can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of bronchitis.

Read More : 9 Deadly Content of Cigarettes

4. Ammonia: 

 

Ammonia is a chemical used in making cigarettes. If inhaled, ammonia can damage cells in the airways and cause inflammation that contributes to bronchitis.

5. Benzene: 

 

A chemical compound in cigarette smoke that is known to cause cancer. Exposure to benzene can damage lung cells and increase the risk of bronchitis and lung cancer.

6. Formaldehyde: 

 

This is a toxic chemical found in cigarette smoke. Exposure to formaldehyde can trigger respiratory irritation, increase mucus production, and worsen bronchitis symptoms.

Keep in mind that these are just some of the main components of cigarette smoke that can increase your risk of developing bronchitis. 

 

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of other chemicals, including many carcinogens and other irritants, all of which can cause bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

The best prevention for bronchitis is to avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. 

 

Quitting smoking is the most effective way to protect respiratory health. Apart from that, maintaining an environment free of cigarette smoke and pollution is also important in reducing the risk of bronchitis.

 

 

How to Quit Smoking

source  https://www.halodoc.com