B7.3 - Smoking And Risk Of Disease (Finishedish)

Question 1

What is the problem of carbon monoxide produced by smoking?

Answer 1

Carbon monoxide takes up some of the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood as it bonds to it instead of oxygen. It can lead to a shortage of oxygen

Question 2

Why is smoking during pregnancy a problem?

Answer 2

During pregnancy a woman is carrying oxygen for the fetus and herself. If the blood is carrying carbon monoxide the fetus will not have enough oxygen to grow properly.

Question 3

How does smoking affect the cilia and what does this lead to?

Answer 3

Some chamicals in tobacco smoke anaesthetise the cilia causing them to stop working for a bit, allowing dirt and pathogens down into the lungs for an increased risk of infection

Question 4

What is the danger of tar from smoking?

Answer 4

Tar increases the risk of bronchitis due to it’s build up in lung tissue. This also reduces surface area of lungs causing breathlessness. It is also a carcinogen

Question 5

Why does smoking increase the risk of cardiovascular problems?

Answer 5

Smoking narrows blood vessels in the skin, ageing it. Nicotine makes the heart rate increase and other chemicals damage the lining of the arteries making coronary hart disease or clots more likely