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 the internal organs and their functionality.
One of the first affected is the respiratory system, in which many destructive and sometimes irreversible processes take place during smoking.
Exposure to cigarette smoke
Cigarette smoke is harmful primarily due to the presence of many harmful substances in its composition, which, when they enter the body, are carried through the bloodstream to all systems and organs. Smoking has the most aggressive effect on the respiratory system, since the intake of toxins occurs during the breathing process. The smoke enters the system directly, passing through the upper and lower respiratory tracts, where part of the substances are deposited on the mucous membranes, provoking inflammatory processes.
Numerous chemical compounds present in cigarette smoke cause a large number of reactions in the respiratory system. Smoking damages the epithelial cilia in the lungs, resulting in insufficient cleansing of the organ. Also, constant inflammatory processes in the lungs provoke 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 saturation of the blood with oxygen is impaired. Oxygen starvation can cause dizziness and fainting.
Effects of active smoking on the trachea and larynx
The harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system begin with a single inhalation. 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 becomes chronic in heavy smokers.
One of the noticeable manifestations of the influence of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system is a hoarse, 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 (including the oral cavity and nasopharynx).
Effect on the bronchi
When smoke enters the bronchi during smoking, it irritates their mucous membranes. This leads to the development of the inflammatory process and gradual atrophy of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree. As a result, the bronchi stop working normally and the production of secretion, 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 leads to difficulty breathing.
Diseases of the respiratory system characteristic of smokers
Both the upper and lower parts of the respiratory system suffer from the negative impact of tobacco. The upper respiratory tract not only receives a significant portion of the poisons, but also falls under the temperature shock of the hot smoke. As a result, diseases such as:
- sinusitis is an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the nasal sinuses;
- sinusitis - inflammation of the maxillary sinuses;
- rhinitis - inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
- deterioration of the sense of smell - occurs due to damage to the receptors;
- laryngitis, tracheitis - inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
Due to the deterioration of the functionality of the epithelial cilia, sputum stagnates in the lungs. This, together with the blockage of the bronchi, causes shortness of breath when smoking and especially after smoking. In some cases, it is difficult for a person to breathe, wheezing and wheezing are heard when inhaling and exhaling.
In the lower part of the respiratory system, smoking provokes 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 the background of weakened immunity;
- pneumosclerosis - an inflammatory process accompanied by the replacement of lung tissue with connective tissue that cannot exchange air;
- lung abscess - inflammation of the lung tissue with the release of pus, which can lead to tissue necrosis;
- pulmonary failure - characterized by a critical decrease in the content of oxygen in the blood;
- emphysema;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- lung cancer.
important! Any breathing problems or lung pain require immediate medical attention.
What are the causes of breathing problems?
The effect of smoking on the respiratory system, among other things, is expressed in the disruption of the normal functioning of the blood vessels located on the entire surface of the lungs. Vessels regularly spasm, become less elastic and fragile. This leads to a deterioration in the functioning of the alveoli, which means that it affects the process of gas exchange.
In addition, resins and toxins accumulate in the tissues, which also make it difficult for the respiratory system to work. This explains the fact that after smoking a person develops respiratory failure and finds it difficult to breathe.
Characteristics of smoker's bronchitis
Smokers gradually develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is an inflammatory process provoked by tobacco smoke, in which a strong narrowing of the bronchi occurs at the site of inflammation, which disrupts the air flow. The bronchial lumen is gradually filled with viscous mucus, which further complicates the ventilation of the lung tissue.
Main symptoms of COPD:
- attacks of coughing in the morning;
- dyspnea;
- signs of chronic hypoxia (headache, dizziness, nausea, increased excitability, arrhythmia, pale skin).
In the beginning, the cough is dry and suffocating, but with an increase in the number of cigarettes smoked, the disease progresses. The cough becomes wet with a large amount of sputum, which is difficult to expel.
Breathing problems in ex-smokers
Regular smoking is the reason that the body does not have time to eliminate harmful substances. Toxins and tar accumulate in the respiratory system. To clear the lungs, it will take you a long time and complete cessation of smoking.
As soon as 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 body's functioning conditions. Abrupt withdrawal from nicotine and other substances is stressful for the body, which has already adapted to their constant presence. Removing tars and toxins from the lungs and bronchi can also cause difficulty breathing.
attention! When you quit 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 giving up the bad habit. This is a normal reaction of the body to a lack of nicotine and other substances. The most popular complaint is: "I stopped smoking and it became difficult to breathe".
But withdrawal symptoms are quite extensive:
- weakness, fatigue;
- headache;
- appetite disorders;
- nausea;
- cough;
- arrhythmia;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- pressure changes.
Very often, after quitting smoking, people suffer from shortness of breath. Symptoms can appear in different combinations.
important! Most often, the condition improves within 1-2 weeks.
Therapeutic methods
Treatment is developed individually for each case. The patient's age, gender and health are taken into account. Severity of symptoms and available contraindications.
medicines
The following groups of drugs are used to treat the human respiratory system from the effects of smoking:
- expectorants;
- herbal sedatives to reduce nervousness and irritability (matherine);
- nicotine replacement drugs - to reduce the craving for smoking.
attention! Medicines can be taken only after consulting a doctor.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures are carried out in hospital conditions under the supervision of a doctor. The following have a good effect on quitting smoking:
- massage therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- ultraviolet irradiation of the interscapular and collar zone;
- UHF therapy.
Physiotherapy methods help to normalize breathing and improve the functioning of the bronchi and lungs.
Breathing exercises
Special breathing exercises will help to significantly reduce the damage caused to the respiratory system by smoking. The great advantage of this method is that there are practically no restrictions. Gymnastics can be done at any age, regardless of existing diseases.
The main exercises are a specific breathing system (for example, fast inhalation and slow exhalation) to which movements are added (for example, retracting and protruding the stomach or lifting and tightening, then lowering and relaxing the shoulders). Gymnastics is done twice a day, and the exercises are repeated 10-15 times.
What should you not do if you have difficulty breathing?
If you have difficulty breathing, it is very dangerous to smoke or even just inhale tobacco smoke. If a person begins to suffocate during physical activity, you should immediately stop the exercise and breathe calmly for 10 minutes.
Emotional stress can lead to difficulty breathing. It is recommended to avoid stressful situations.
How long does shortness of breath last after quitting smoking?
Restoring the respiratory system after smoking is a very individual process. Its duration depends on many factors, including the age and health of the smoker, smoking experience and body characteristics.
Most often, shortness of breath appears in the first 7-15 days after quitting smoking. On average, it takes 3 to 8 months to fully recover lung function.
Will quitting a bad habit clear your lungs?
If you completely stop smoking, after a few days you will notice an improvement in the condition of your respiratory system. Breathing will gradually normalize, bad breath and shortness of breath will disappear, cough will disappear. The lungs of a person who has given up smoking may eventually be completely cleared of tars and toxins, but it will take a long time.
Conclusion
Quitting cigarettes is not easy, but in order to stop the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system, it is necessary to do it. Otherwise, the development of serious pathologies will begin, which will significantly worsen the quality of life and, in addition, may cause complications affecting the functioning of other body systems.