Smoking is harmful to the body, and the negative effects begin from the first cigarette smoked. Toxins, carcinogens, resins and particulate 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, when entering 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. Smoke directly enters the system, passing through the upper and lower respiratory tract, where some of the substances settle 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, which leads to 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, oxygen saturation of the blood 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 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 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 lining 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 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 portion of poisons, but also comes under the temperature shock of 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 the sense of smell - occurs due to damage to receptors;
- laryngitis, tracheitis - inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
Due to deterioration in the functionality of the epithelial cilia, sputum stagnates in the lungs. This, along with obstruction of the bronchi, causes shortness of breath when smoking and especially after it. In some cases, it is difficult for a person to breathe; wheezing and whistling sounds 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 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 failure – characterized by a critical decrease in oxygen content in the blood;
- emphysema;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- lungs' cancer.
Important! Any breathing problems or pain in the lungs 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 disruption of the normal functioning of 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 it affects the gas exchange process.
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 finds it difficult to breathe.
Features of smoker's bronchitis
Smokers gradually develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is an inflammatory process provoked by tobacco smoke, during 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:
- coughing attacks in the morning;
- dyspnea;
- signs of chronic hypoxia (headache, dizziness, nausea, increased excitability, arrhythmia, pale skin).
At first, the cough is dry and suffocating, 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 former 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. To cleanse your lungs, it will take a lot of time and a complete cessation of smoking.
Immediately after a smoker quits cigarettes, breathing problems may worsen. Shortness of breath often occurs. There are several reasons for this, the main one 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 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 quitting a bad habit. This is a normal reaction of the body to a lack of nicotine and other substances. The most popular complaint is: "I quit 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 occur in different combinations.
Important! Most often, the condition improves within 1-2 weeks.
Therapy methods
Treatment is developed for each case individually. The age, gender and health status of the patient are taken into account. The severity of symptoms and available contraindications.
Medication
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 drugs - to reduce the craving for smoking.
Attention! Medicines can only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out in a hospital setting under the supervision of a doctor. The following have a good effect on quitting smoking:
- massotherapy;
- electrophoresis;
- ultraviolet irradiation of the interscapular and collar zones;
- UHF therapy.
Physiotherapeutic methods help 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 from smoking. The big advantage of this method is that it has virtually no limitations. Gymnastics can be done at any age, regardless of existing diseases.
Basic exercises are a specific breathing system (for example, inhaling quickly and exhaling slowly), to which movements are added (for example, drawing in and protruding the stomach or lifting and tightening, and then lowering and relaxing the shoulders). Gymnastics are 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 breathe in tobacco smoke. If a person begins to choke during physical activity, you must 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 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, shortness of breath 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 clear if you give up a bad habit?
If you completely stop smoking, an improvement in your respiratory condition will be noticeable within a few days. Breathing will gradually normalize, bad breath and shortness of breath will disappear, and the cough will go away. 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 cigarettes is not easy, but in order to stop the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system, it is necessary to do so. 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.