What is one effect of cigarette use that impacts anesthesia?

Cigarette use has a significant impact on the respiratory system, and one of the notable effects is increased airway irritability. This increased irritability can lead to enhanced bronchoconstriction and an overall heightened response of the airways to irritants. When a patient who smokes undergoes anesthesia, the airway can be more reactive, which poses challenges for airway management and increases the risk of complications. Anesthesiologists must be aware of this factor to appropriately prepare for potential issues related to airway responsiveness during sedation.

In contrast, reducing secretions, increasing mucociliary transport, and lowering CO2 levels are not typical effects associated with cigarette smoking. In fact, smoking tends to lead to increased secretions and can impair mucociliary function, while it does not reduce CO2 levels in the body. Understanding the implications of these physiological changes is crucial for safe anesthesia management in patients who smoke.