2007-03-23 12:28:10 · 5 answers · asked by Punkin 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Heavy smoking causes destruction of the alveolar sacs and walls. Gas exchange happens between the sacs and the capillary beds in the lungs. If there is destruction and hardening of the alveolar sacs they are unable to exchange as much gas as they are meant to. In the early stages- heavy smoking can also cause an inflammatory response which also doesn't allow sufficient gas exchange.
Hope this helps- this is a very simple and summarized explanation.
2007-03-23 16:33:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It also increases the size of the air sacs; which decreases the number of air sacs; which decreases surface area for gas exchange
2007-03-23 13:53:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
for one, the elasticity of the aveoli is reduced.
also tar and gunk blocks the way.
2007-03-23 12:31:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
GEE, DO YA THINK SO?!?!?!
2007-03-23 12:34:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Smoking would impede it. Duh!
2007-03-23 12:35:58 · answer #5 · answered by Carlos R 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋