Smoking is harmful to the body and the negative effects begin from the first cigarette smoked. Toxins, carcinogens, resins and soot particles affect the condition of internal organs and their functionality.
One of the first affected is the respiratory system, in which many destructive and sometimes irreversible processes occur during smoking.
Exposure to cigarette smoke
Cigarette smoke is harmful primarily due to the presence of many harmful substances in its composition, which, when entering the body, are transported through the bloodstream to all systems and organs. Smoking has the most aggressive effect on the respiratory system, since the absorption of toxins occurs during the respiratory process. The smoke enters the system directly through the upper and lower respiratory tract, where certain substances are deposited on the mucous membranes, causing inflammatory processes.
Many chemical compounds present in cigarette smoke cause a large number of reactions in the respiratory system. Smoking damages the epithelial cilia of the lungs, leading to insufficient cleansing of the organ. In addition, constant inflammatory processes in the lungs cause the growth of connective tissue, which gradually replaces healthy lung tissue. This leads to deformation of the airways and their narrowing
Due to the fact that the respiratory alveoli are clogged with tar, the oxygen saturation of the blood is impaired. Lack of oxygen can cause dizziness and fainting.
Effects of active smoking on the trachea and larynx
The harmful effects of tobacco on the respiratory system begin with one puff. Hot cigarette smoke enters the larynx and trachea, burning the mucous membranes. Solid particles of soot and tar settle on the mucous membrane, irritating it. This causes inflammation which, in heavy smokers, becomes chronic.
One of the notable manifestations of the influence of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system is a hoarse and hoarse voice, which is called "smoky". The change in timbre is caused by constant irritation of the vocal cords, which swell, become covered with ulcers and erosions.
In addition, smoking negatively affects local immunity, which leads to frequent infectious diseases (especially of the oral cavity and nasopharynx).
Effect on the bronchi
When smoke enters the bronchi while smoking, it irritates their mucous membranes. This leads to the development of the inflammatory process and progressive atrophy of the mucosa of the bronchial tree. As a result, the bronchi cease to function normally and the production of secretions, which performs a moisturizing and cleansing function, is disrupted.
In addition, the effect of smoking on the respiratory system is that the bronchial lumen through which air passes during inhalation and exhalation narrows. And this causes breathing difficulties.
Diseases of the respiratory system characteristic of smokers
Both the upper and lower parts of the respiratory system suffer from the negative effects of tobacco. The upper respiratory tract not only receives a significant portion of poisons, but also experiences thermal shock from hot smoke. As a result, diseases such as:
- sinusitis is an inflammatory process of the mucous membranes of the nasal sinuses;
- sinusitis - inflammation of the maxillary sinuses;
- rhinitis – inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
- deterioration of smell - occurs due to damage to receptors;
- laryngitis, tracheitis - inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
Due to the deterioration in the functionality of epithelial cilia, sputum stagnates in the lungs. This, combined with obstruction of the bronchi, causes shortness of breath when smoking and especially afterward. In some cases, it is difficult for a person to breathe; whistling and whistling sounds are heard when inhaling and exhaling.
In the lower part of the respiratory system, smoking causes the development of the following pathologies:
- pleurisy – inflammation of the serous membrane of the lungs;
- pneumonia is a viral disease that affects the lung tissue and alveoli;
- tuberculosis is an infectious disease that often occurs against a background of weakened immunity;
- pneumosclerosis - an inflammatory process accompanied by the replacement of lung tissue with connective tissue incapable of air exchange;
- lung abscess - inflammation of the lung tissue with the release of pus, which can lead to tissue necrosis;
- pulmonary insufficiency – characterized by a critical decrease in the oxygen content in the blood;
- emphysema;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- lung cancer.
Important! Any breathing problems or pain in the lungs require immediate medical attention.
What causes respiratory problems?
The effect of smoking on the respiratory system results, among other things, in a disruption of the normal functioning of blood vessels located throughout the surface of the lungs. The vessels contract regularly, becoming less elastic and fragile. This leads to a deterioration in the functioning of the alveoli, which affects the process of gas exchange.
In addition, resins and toxins accumulate in the tissues, which also complicate the functioning of the respiratory system. This explains the fact that after smoking a person develops respiratory failure and has difficulty breathing.
Characteristics of smoker's bronchitis
Smokers gradually develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is an inflammatory process caused by tobacco smoke, during which a strong narrowing of the bronchi occurs at the site of inflammation, which disrupts air flow. The bronchial lumen gradually fills with viscous mucus, which further complicates the ventilation of the lung tissue.
Main symptoms of COPD:
- coughing fits in the morning;
- dyspnea;
- signs of chronic hypoxia (headache, dizziness, nausea, increased excitability, arrhythmia, pale skin).
At first, the cough is dry and choking, but as the number of cigarettes smoked increases, the disease progresses. The cough becomes wet with a large amount of sputum that is difficult to separate.
Respiratory problems in former smokers
Regular smoking is the reason why the body does not have time to eliminate harmful substances. Toxins and tars accumulate in the respiratory system. To clean your lungs, it will take a lot of time and a complete cessation of smoking.
Immediately after a smoker quits, breathing problems may worsen. Shortness of breath often occurs. There are several reasons for this, the main of which is a sudden change in the functioning conditions of the body. Abrupt withdrawal from nicotine and other substances is stressful for the body, which has already adapted to their constant presence. The removal of tars and toxins from the lungs and bronchi can also cause breathing difficulties.
Attention! When quitting smoking, it is difficult to avoid unpleasant symptoms, but if the adaptation process is very difficult and is accompanied by a deterioration in well-being, you should consult a doctor.
Withdrawal symptoms
Experienced smokers may experience withdrawal symptoms after quitting a bad habit. This is a normal reaction of the body to lack of nicotine and other substances. The most common complaint is: "I stopped smoking and had trouble breathing. »
But the withdrawal symptoms are quite extensive:
- weakness, fatigue;
- headache;
- appetite disturbances;
- nausea;
- cough;
- arrhythmia;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- pressure changes.
Very often, after quitting smoking, people experience shortness of breath. Symptoms can appear in different combinations.
Important! Most often, the condition improves within 1-2 weeks.
Therapeutic methods
Treatment is developed for each case individually. The patient's age, gender and health status are taken into account. The severity of symptoms and available contraindications.
Medicine
To treat the human respiratory system from the effects of smoking, the following groups of drugs are used:
- expectorants;
- herbal sedatives to reduce nervousness and irritability (motherwort);
- Nicotine replacement medications – to reduce the urge to smoke.
Attention! Medicines can only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out in a hospital environment under the supervision of a doctor. The following have a positive effect on quitting smoking:
- massage therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- ultraviolet irradiation of the interscapular areas and cervix;
- UHF therapy.
Physiotherapeutic methods help to normalize breathing and improve the functioning of the bronchi and lungs.
Breathing exercises
Special breathing exercises will help significantly reduce the damage caused to the respiratory system by smoking. The great advantage of this method is that it has practically no limits. Gymnastics can be done at any age, regardless of existing diseases.
Basic exercises are a specific respiratory system (for example, inhaling quickly and exhaling slowly), plus movements (for example, pulling in and out the stomach or lifting and tightening, then lowering and releasing the shoulders). Gymnastics is performed twice a day, repeating the exercises 10-15 times.
What not to do if you have difficulty breathing?
If you have difficulty breathing, it is very dangerous to smoke or even just breathe tobacco smoke. If a person begins to choke during physical activity, you should immediately stop exercising and breathe calmly for 10 minutes.
Emotional stress can lead to difficulty breathing. It is advisable to avoid stressful situations.
How long does shortness of breath last when you stop smoking?
Restoration of the respiratory system after smoking is a very individual process. Its duration depends on many factors, including the smoker's age and health, smoking experience and body characteristics.
Most often, shortness of breath occurs during the first 7 to 15 days after quitting smoking. On average, it takes 3 to 8 months to fully restore lung function.
Will your lungs become clear if you quit a bad habit?
If you stop smoking completely, an improvement in your respiratory condition will be noticeable after a few days. Breathing will gradually normalize, bad breath and shortness of breath will disappear, and cough will disappear. The lungs of a person who quit smoking may eventually be completely cleared of tars and toxins, but this will take a long time.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking is not easy, but in order to stop the harmful effects of tobacco on the respiratory system, it is necessary to do so. Otherwise, the development of serious pathologies will begin, which will significantly deteriorate the quality of life and may additionally lead to complications affecting the functioning of other body systems.