The effects of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system include:
irritation of the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box)
reduced lung function and breathlessness due to swelling and narrowing of the lung airways and excess mucus in the lung passages
impairment of the lungs’ clearance system, leading to the build-up of poisonous substances, which results in lung irritation and damage
increased risk of lung infection and symptoms such as coughing and wheezing
permanent damage to the air sacs of the lungs.