Why Smoking and CF Are a Fatal Combination Mucus clearance in a normal lung is accomplished by cilia, tiny hairlike projections lining the inside of the lungs which constantly move dirt, bacteria, and other irritants up into the throat where they can be swallowed. CF causes the lungs to become clogged with thick secretions of mucus, containing bacteria and primarily dead white blood cells. Cigarette smoke, even second hand, causes the same impairment.
Cigarette smoke paralyzes the cilia it contacts in the sinuses and lungs for twenty-minutes.
Passive smoking among children with chronic respiratory disease. Exposure of children with cystic fibrosis to environmental tobacco smoke. 1 cigarette and matches Unscrew the bottle cap and place the cotton balls inside. Re-cap the bottle. With sharp knife or scissors, carefully cut the tip off of the squirt bottle.