Effects of cigarette smoke and chronic hypoxia on airways remodeling and resistance. Clinical significance

► We used a model of smoking guinea pig with/without exposure to sustained hypoxia. ► Each stressor separately increased airways resistance. ► Concomitant alterations in bronchiolar structure were observed. ► Association of both stressors worsens all the above parameters in an additive manner. ► Appearance of hypoxia in the lung ill patients asks for a prompt intervention.