Smoking is harmful to the body and the negative effects begin from the first cigarette smoked. Toxins, carcinogens, resins and soot particles affect the state 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 mainly due to the presence of many harmful substances in its composition, which, 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 intake of toxins occurs during the breathing process. Smoke enters directly into the system, passing through the upper and lower respiratory tracts, where some 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 of the lungs, which leads 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, oxygen saturation in the blood is impaired. Oxygen deficiency 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 mucosa, irritating it. This causes inflammation which becomes chronic in heavy smokers.
One of the obvious manifestations of the influence of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system is a hoarse, hoarse voice, 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 functioning normally and the production of secretion, which performs a moisturizing and cleansing function, is interrupted.
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.
Respiratory system diseases 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 amount of poisons, but is also subjected to 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 of the functionality of the epithelial cilia, sputum stagnates in the lungs. This, together with obstruction of the bronchi, causes shortness of breath when smoking and especially afterwards. In some cases, it is difficult for a person to breathe; wheezing and wheezing are heard during inhalation and exhalation.
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 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 lung tissue with release of pus, which can lead to tissue necrosis;
- pulmonary failure – characterized by a critical decrease in the oxygen content in the blood;
- emphysema;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- lung cancer.
Important! Any breathing problems or lung pain require immediate medical attention.
What causes respiratory problems?
The effect of smoking on the respiratory system, among other things, is expressed in the 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 process of gas exchange.
Furthermore, 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 provoked by tobacco smoke, during which a strong narrowing of the bronchi occurs at the site of inflammation, which interrupts the flow of air. The bronchial lumen is gradually filled with viscous mucus, which further complicates ventilation of the lung tissue.
Main symptoms of COPD:
- cough attacks in the morning;
- dyspnea;
- signs of chronic hypoxia (headache, dizziness, nausea, increased excitability, arrhythmia, pallor).
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.
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 cleanse the lungs, it will take a long time and complete cessation of smoking.
Soon after a smoker quits, 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. Removal of tars and toxins from the lungs and bronchi can also cause breathing difficulties.
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 the lack of nicotine and other substances. The most popular complaint is, "I stopped smoking and it became difficult to breathe. "
But the withdrawal symptoms are quite extensive:
- weakness, fatigue;
- heachache;
- appetite disorders;
- nausea;
- cough;
- arrhythmia;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- pressure variations.
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.
Methods of therapy
Treatment is developed individually for each case. The age, sex and health status of the patient are taken into consideration. The severity of the symptoms and the available contraindications.
Drug
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 desire to smoke.
Attention! Medicines can only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures are performed in a hospital setting under the supervision of a doctor. The following have a good effect on quitting smoking:
- massage therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- ultraviolet irradiation of the interscapular areas and collar;
- 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 limitations. Gymnastics can be practiced at any age, regardless of existing diseases.
The basic exercises are a specific breathing system (for example, inhale quickly and exhale slowly), to which movements are added (for example, draw in and protrude the belly or lift and tighten, then lower and relax the shoulders). Gymnastics is performed twice a day, repeating the exercises 10-15 times.
What shouldn't you do if you have trouble breathing?
If you have difficulty breathing, it is very dangerous to smoke or even breathe tobacco smoke. If a person begins to suffocate during physical activity, it is necessary to immediately stop the exercise 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 age and health of the smoker, the 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 cleaner if you quit a bad habit?
If you stop smoking completely, within a few days you will notice an improvement in your respiratory condition. Breathing will gradually normalize, bad breath and shortness of breath will disappear, and cough will disappear. The lungs of a person who quits smoking may eventually be completely cleared of tars and toxins, but this will take a long time.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking is not easy, but to stop the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system you need to do it. Otherwise, the development of serious pathologies will begin, which will significantly worsen the quality of life, and also may cause complications that affect the functioning of other body systems.