Crossword Genius

Source of bronchial problems? Special doctor attending monarch (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

smoking

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'source of bronchial problems?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'special doctor attending monarch' is the wordplay.
'special' becomes 'S' (common abbreviation as in Special Air Service).
'doctor' becomes 'mo' (medical officer).
'attending monarch' becomes 'king' (king is a kind of monarch. I am not sure about the 'attending' bit.).
's'+'mo'+'king'='SMOKING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for smoking that I've seen before include "Emitting a cloud of gas" , "Having a cigarette" , "Puffing a fag" , "unhealthy habit" , "Using tobacco" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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