Nicotine

Smoking 5: The effects of nicotine

During the inhalation of smoke, the nicotine from the cigarette comes into contact with the mucus layer of the lungs. Also, nicotine can numb the activity of the cilia, which causes the mucus to transport filth less efficiently.

Because of the poorer performance of the cilia, it is more likely for filth to stay in the lungs or the windpipe. Tar also sticks to the mucus. This is why the mucus cells get inflammed. Such an inflammation in the lungs is called bronchitis.