Mechanism found in severe acute respiratory viral infections in smokers

American scientists have found the reason for influenza and other acute respiratory infections (ARI) in smokers than in nonsmokers. Until now, the prevailing opinion is that cigarette smoke has an inhibitory effect on the local immune system of the respiratory tract, so that the virus can cause severe tissue damage. Researchers from Yale University refutes this view. Established a team of scientists led by Professor Jack Elias (Jack A. Elias) that the immune system of mice that smoking one or two cigarettes a day for two weeks, over reacted to the introduction of substances that mimic viral infection out. Airway clearance of the infectious agent is fine, but began with the effect of tobacco smoke cascade of immune reactions to the release of a variety of inflammatory mediators induced an increase in the tissue damage. In addition, the researchers found that by the same mechanism combined effects of tobacco smoke and viral infections worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).