Noncarcinogenic Effects of Cigarette Smoke on the Respiratory Tract

Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is one of the leading causes of death. Cigarette smoke, in the form of secondhand smoke, can also adversely affect the respiratory health of children. Smoking cigarettes induces multiple interacting conditions that are likely to contribute to the development of COPD, including inflammation, perturbations in the balance between the activity of proteases and their inhibitors, and excessive exposure to oxidants. Interestingly, not all heavy smokers develop COPD. This suggests the susceptibility to COPD is determined by many characteristics, such as genetics and occupational exposures.