Smoking is harmful to the body, and the negative consequences start from the first cigarette smoked. Toxins, carcinogens, resins and soot particles affect the condition of internal organs and their functionality.
One of the first to be affected is the respiratory system, in which numerous 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, upon entering the body, are transmitted through the bloodstream to all systems and organs. Smoking has the most aggressive effect on the respiratory system, because the intake of toxins occurs during the breathing process. The smoke directly enters the system, passing through the upper and lower respiratory tract, where some of the substances are deposited on the mucous membranes, causing 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, which leads to insufficient cleansing of the organ. Also, constant inflammatory processes in the lungs cause the growth of connective tissue, which gradually replaces healthy lung tissue. This leads to the 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. Oxygen starvation can cause dizziness and fainting.
Effects of active smoking on trachea and larynx
The harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system begin with the breath. Hot cigarette smoke enters the larynx and trachea, burning the mucous membrane. Solid particles of soot and tar settle on the mucous membrane and irritate it. This causes inflammation, which becomes chronic in heavy smokers.
One of the noticeable manifestations of the effect of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system is a hoarse, hoarse voice, which is called "smoky". The change in color 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 an 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 secretions, which performs the function of moistening and cleaning, is disturbed.
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 that causes difficulty breathing.
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 part of the poison, but also comes under the temperature shock of 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 receptor damage;
- laryngitis, tracheitis - inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
Due to deterioration of the functionality of epithelial cilia, sputum stagnates in the lungs. This, along with bronchial obstruction, causes difficulty breathing when smoking, and especially after smoking. In some cases, it is difficult for a person to breathe, wheezing and whistling are heard when inhaling and exhaling.
In the lower part of the respiratory system, smoking causes the development of the following pathologies:
- pleuritis – inflammation of the serous membrane of the lungs;
- pneumonia is a viral disease that affects 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 incapable of air exchange;
- lung abscess - inflammation of the lung tissue with the release of pus, which can lead to tissue necrosis;
- lung 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 impact of smoking on the respiratory system, among other things, is expressed in the disruption of the normal functioning of the blood vessels that are located on the entire surface of the lungs. Vessels regularly spasm, become less elastic and fragile. This leads to deterioration 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 function. This explains the fact that after smoking a person develops respiratory insufficiency and has difficulty breathing.
Characteristics of smoking bronchitis
Smokers gradually develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is an inflammatory process caused by tobacco smoke, where a strong narrowing of the bronchi occurs at the site of inflammation, which hinders the flow of air. The lumen of the bronchus is gradually filled 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 stuffy, 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.
Breathing problems in ex-smokers
Regular smoking is the reason that the body does not have time to remove harmful substances. Toxins and tars accumulate in the respiratory system. It will take a long time and a complete cessation of smoking to clean the lungs.
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 conditions of the organism's functioning. Abrupt withdrawal from nicotine and other substances is stressful for the organism that has already adapted to their constant presence. The removal of tar and toxins from the lungs and bronchi can also cause breathing difficulties.
Attention! When you stop smoking, it is difficult to avoid unpleasant symptoms, but if the adaptation process is very difficult and accompanied by a deterioration in well-being, you should consult a doctor.
Withdrawal symptoms
Experienced smokers may experience withdrawal symptoms after quitting the bad habit. This is the body's normal reaction to the 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;
- gastrointestinal tract disorder;
- 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.
Methods of therapy
Treatment is developed for each case individually. The patient's age, gender and health condition are taken into account. Severity of symptoms and available contraindications.
Medicines
The following groups of drugs are used to treat the human respiratory system as a result of smoking:
- expectorants;
- herbal sedatives to reduce nervousness and irritability (maternal);
- nicotine replacement drugs - to reduce the urge to smoke.
Attention! Medicines can be taken only after consultation with a doctor.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures are performed in hospital conditions under the supervision of a doctor. The following works well for quitting smoking:
- massage therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- ultraviolet radiation of interscapular and neck zones;
- UHF therapy.
Physiotherapy methods help normalize breathing and improve the work of the bronchi and lungs.
Breathing exercises
Special breathing exercises will help to significantly reduce the damage caused by smoking to the respiratory system. The great advantage of this method is that there are practically no restrictions. Gymnastics can be done at any age, regardless of existing diseases.
Basic exercises are a specific breathing system (for example, inhale quickly and exhale slowly), to which movements are added (for example, pulling in and out of the stomach or raising and tightening, then lowering and relaxing the shoulders). Gymnastics is done twice a day, repeating the exercises 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 must immediately stop exercising 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 when quitting cigarettes?
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, difficulty breathing occurs during the first 7-15 days after quitting cigarettes. On average, it takes 3 to 8 months to fully restore lung function.
Will your lungs become clean if you give up a bad habit?
If you stop smoking completely, the improvement in your respiratory condition will be visible within a few days. Breathing will gradually normalize, bad breath and shortness of breath will disappear, and the cough will disappear. The lungs of a person who has stopped smoking can eventually be completely cleared of tar and toxins, but it will take 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, it can cause complications that affect the functioning of other body systems.