Final answer:
Cigarette smoke damages the cilia in the bronchi, impairing the removal of mucus and particles, leading to a persistent cough and increased susceptibility to respiratory ailments.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the primary reasons why cigarette smokers cough frequently is because substances in cigarette smoke, such as tar, destroy or paralyze the cilia. These cilia are small hair-like structures that line the bronchi and bronchioles and are responsible for moving mucus and trapped particles out of the lungs. When cilia are damaged, mucus builds up as it cannot be effectively moved, leading to a persistent cough as the body attempts to clear the obstructions.
Furthermore, smoking increases the production of mucus in the lungs, exacerbating the problem as the already impaired cilia are unable to cope with the excess mucus. This dysfunction can lead to a higher susceptibility to respiratory ailments, such as pneumonia, due to compromised lung immune defenses.
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