Effects of smoking on the respiratory system

Smoking is harmful to the body, and the negative effects begin from the first cigarette you smoke. Toxins, carcinogens, resins and soot particles can affect the condition of internal organs and their function.One of the first systems to be affected is the respiratory system, and many destructive and sometimes irreversible processes occur during smoking.

Exposure to cigarette smoke

The main reason why cigarette smoke is harmful is that there are many harmful substances in its components. After these substances enter the human body, they will be transported to all systems and organs through the blood. Smoking has the greatest impact on the respiratory system because the ingestion of toxins occurs during breathing. Smoke enters directly into the system, passing through the upper and lower respiratory tract, where some of its substances are deposited on the mucous membranes, triggering inflammatory processes.Many chemicals present in cigarette smoke can cause numerous reactions in the respiratory system. Smoking damages the epithelial cilia of the lungs, resulting in inadequate cleansing of the organ. In addition, ongoing inflammatory processes in the lungs stimulate the growth of connective tissue, which gradually replaces healthy lung tissue. This causes deformation of the airways and their narrowingAs the respiratory alveoli become 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 smoking on the respiratory system begin with a puff of cigarette. Hot cigarette smoke enters the throat and trachea, burning the mucous membranes. Solid particles of soot and tar deposit on the mucous membranes, irritating them. This leads to inflammation, which in heavy smokers can become chronic.One of the most obvious manifestations of the impact of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system is hoarseness and hoarseness, which is the so-called "smoky smell". Changes in timbre are caused by constant irritation of the vocal cords, which become swollen and covered with ulcers and erosions.In addition, smoking can also affect local immunity, leading to the frequent occurrence of infectious diseases (including the oral cavity and nasopharynx).

Effect on bronchial tubes

When smoking, smoke enters the bronchial tubes and irritates the mucous membranes. This leads to the development of inflammatory processes and the progressive atrophy of the lining of the bronchial tree. As a result, the bronchi stop working properly, and the production of secretions that perform moisturizing and cleansing functions is disrupted.Additionally, the effect of smoking on the respiratory system is a narrowing of the bronchial lumen through which air passes during inhalation and exhalation. This can cause difficulty breathing.

Characteristics of respiratory diseases in smokers

Both the upper and lower parts of the respiratory system are negatively affected by tobacco. The upper respiratory tract not only absorbs a large portion of poisons, but is also subject to the temperature shock of hot smoke. As a result, the following diseases result:

• Sinusitis is an inflammatory process of the sinus mucosa;
• Sinusitis - inflammation of the maxillary sinuses;
• Rhinitis - inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
• Degeneration of the sense of smell - occurs due to damage to the receptors;
• Laryngitis, tracheitis - inflammation of the larynx and trachea.

Due to the degradation of epithelial ciliary function, sputum remains in the lungs. This, along with bronchial obstruction, can lead to shortness of breath when smoking, especially after smoking. In some cases, the person may experience difficulty breathing; wheezing and whistling sounds may be heard when inhaling and exhaling.In the lower part of the respiratory system, smoking triggers the development of:

• Pleurisy – inflammation of the serous membranes of the lungs;
• Pneumonia is a viral disease that affects lung tissue and alveoli;
• Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that usually occurs when immunity is compromised;
• Pulmonary sclerosis - an inflammatory process accompanied by the replacement of lung tissue by connective tissue incapable of air exchange;
• Lung abscess - inflammation of the lung tissue that releases pus, which can lead to tissue death;
• Lung failure - characterized by a severe drop in oxygen levels 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 effects of smoking on the respiratory system are, among other things, the disruption of the normal function of blood vessels throughout the surface of the lungs. Blood vessels are often spasmed, less elastic, and fragile. This leads to deterioration of alveolar function, meaning it affects the gas exchange process.In addition, resins and toxins accumulate in the tissues, which also complicates the functioning of the respiratory system. This explains the fact that a person who smokes can develop respiratory failure and find it difficult to breathe.

Characteristics of bronchitis in smokers

Smokers gradually develop COPD. This is an inflammatory process caused by tobacco smoke, during which strong narrowing of the bronchi occurs at the site of inflammation, disrupting airflow. The bronchial lumen gradually fills with thick mucus, further complicating ventilation of the lung tissue.Main symptoms of COPD:

• Cough attacks in the morning;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Signs of chronic hypoxia (headache, dizziness, nausea, increased excitability, cardiac arrhythmia, pale skin).

At first, the cough was dry and suffocating, but the condition progressed as the number of cigarettes increased. When coughing, there is a lot of phlegm, which is difficult to separate.

Breathing Problems in Former Smokers

Regular smoking is the reason why the body does not have time to remove harmful substances. Toxins and tar accumulate in the respiratory system. Cleaning your lungs requires spending a lot of time and quitting smoking completely.Breathing problems may worsen after smokers quit smoking. Shortness of breath often occurs. There are many reasons for this, the main one being a sudden change in the functional condition of the body. Abrupt withdrawal from nicotine and other substances can cause stress to the body as it adjusts to their continued presence. Removing tar 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 adjustment process is very difficult and is accompanied by a worsening of your health, you should consult a doctor.

Withdrawal symptoms

Experienced smokers may experience withdrawal symptoms after quitting a bad habit. This is the body's normal response to a lack of nicotine and other substances. The most common complaint is: "I stopped smoking and it became difficult to breathe. "But withdrawal symptoms are quite widespread:

• weakness, fatigue;
• Headache;
• Appetite disorders;
• nausea;
• cough;
• Arrhythmia;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Pressure changes.

Many times, people experience shortness of breath after quitting smoking. Symptoms may appear in different combinations.important! In most cases, the condition improves within 1-2 weeks.

treatment method

Treatment plans are developed individually for each case. Take into account the patient's age, gender, and health status. Severity of symptoms and available contraindications.

drug

To treat the human respiratory system from the effects of smoking, the following groups of drugs are used:

• expectorant;
• herbal sedative to reduce nervousness and irritability (motherwort);
• Nicotine replacement medicines - Reduce cravings for cigarettes.

attention! Medications must be taken after consulting a doctor.

physiotherapy

Physical therapy procedures are performed in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician. The following have good effects on smoking cessation:

• massage therapy;
• electrophoresis;
• UV exposure in the interscapular and collar areas;
• Ultra high frequency therapy.

Physical therapy methods help normalize breathing and improve the function of the bronchial tubes and lungs.

breathing exercises

Special breathing exercises will help significantly reduce the damage that smoking causes to your respiratory system. One of the great things about this approach is that it has virtually no limitations. Gymnastics can be done at any age, regardless of medical conditions.Basic exercises are specific to the respiratory system (e. g. , inhale quickly and exhale slowly), with added movements (e. g. , abdominal tuck and protrude or lift and tuck, then lower and relax shoulders). Gymnastics are performed twice a day and the exercises are repeated 10-15 times.

What shouldn't you do if you have trouble breathing?

Smoking or even just inhaling tobacco smoke can be very dangerous if you have trouble breathing. If a person begins to choke during physical activity, the person must stop the activity immediately and breathe calmly for 10 minutes.Emotional stress can cause difficulty breathing. It is recommended to avoid stressful situations.

How long does shortness of breath last when you quit smoking?

Restoring your 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 physical characteristics.Most commonly, shortness of breath occurs within the first 7-15 days after quitting smoking. On average, it takes 3 to 8 months for lung function to fully recover.

Will your lungs clear up if you break your bad habits?

If you quit smoking completely, your breathing will improve significantly within a few days. Breathing will gradually become normal, bad breath and shortness of breath will disappear, and coughing will disappear. A quitter's lungs may eventually be completely clear of tar and toxins, but it takes a long time.

in conclusion

Quitting smoking is not easy, but it is necessary to stop the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system. Otherwise, serious symptoms will begin to develop, which will significantly worsen the quality of life and, in addition, may lead to complications that affect the functioning of other body systems.