Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Passive smoking, also known as secondhand smoke exposure, poses several health risks to children, particularly in terms of respiratory health. One of the significant effects of passive smoking in children is the increased incidence of respiratory tract infections. This can occur because the harmful substances present in secondhand smoke can impair the respiratory immune response, making children more susceptible to infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are also at a higher risk for chronic respiratory problems, such as asthma, and for experiencing severe allergic reactions. The exposure can lead to inflammation of the airways, decreased lung function over time, and overall compromised respiratory health.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that are not typically observed in children exposed to passive smoking. Improved lung capacity, reduced frequency of asthma attacks, and enhanced pulmonary function do not align with the evidence that highlights the harmful effects of smoke exposure on respiratory health.