Smoking is harmful to the body, and the negative effects start from the first cigarette smoked. Toxins, carcinogens, resins and soot particles affect the condition of internal organs and their functions.
One of the first to be affected is the respiratory system, where many damaging and sometimes irreversible processes occur during smoking.
Exposure to cigarette smoke
Cigarette smoke is dangerous mainly 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, because the intake of toxins occurs during the breathing process. Smoke continues to enter the system, through the upper and lower respiratory tract, where some substances settle on the mucous membrane, causing an inflammatory process.
Many chemical compounds found 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 organ cleansing. Also, the ongoing inflammatory process in the lungs triggers 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, blood oxygen saturation is disturbed. Oxygen starvation can cause dizziness and fainting.
The effects of active smoking on the trachea and larynx
The harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system begin with inhalation. Hot cigarette smoke enters the larynx and trachea, burning the mucous membrane. 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 visible manifestations of the influence of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system is a hoarse and hoarse voice, which is called "smoky. "Changes in timbre are caused by constant irritation of the vocal cords, which swell, become covered with ulcers and erosion.
In addition, smoking has a negative effect on local immunity, which leads to frequent infectious diseases (including the oral cavity and nasopharynx).
Effects 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 layer of the bronchial tree. As a result, the bronchi stop working normally, and the production of secretions, which perform moisturizing and cleansing functions, 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 experience the negative effects of tobacco. The upper respiratory tract not only receives most of the poison, but also experiences 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 sinus;
- 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 the deterioration in the function of epithelial cilia, sputum stagnates in the lungs. This, together with bronchial obstruction, causes shortness of breath when smoking and especially after. 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 the lung tissue and alveoli;
- tuberculosis is an infectious disease that often occurs on the background of weak immunity;
- pneumosclerosis - an inflammatory process accompanied by the replacement of lung tissue with connective tissue that is not capable 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 the content of oxygen in the blood;
- emphysema;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- lung cancer.
Important! Any breathing problem or pain in the lungs requires immediate medical attention.
What causes breathing problems?
The effects of smoking on the respiratory system, among other things, are expressed in the disruption of the normal function of the blood vessels located on the entire surface of the lungs. Vessels often spasm, become less elastic and fragile. This leads to a deterioration in the function of the alveoli, which means that it affects the process of gas exchange.
In addition, resin and toxins accumulate in the tissue, which also complicates the functioning of the respiratory system. This explains the fact that after smoking a person experiences respiratory failure and difficulty breathing.
Characteristics of smokers' bronchitis
Smokers gradually develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is an inflammatory process caused by tobacco smoke, in which a strong narrowing of the bronchi occurs at the site of inflammation, which disrupts the flow of air. The bronchial lumen is gradually filled with viscous mucus, which further complicates the ventilation of the lung tissue.
The main symptoms of COPD:
- coughing attacks in the morning;
- breathing difficulties;
- signs of chronic hypoxia (headache, dizziness, nausea, increased excitement, 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.
Respiratory problems in ex-smokers
Frequent smoking is the reason the body does not have time to remove harmful substances. Toxins and tar accumulate in the respiratory system. To clean your lungs, it will take a lot of time and completely stop smoking.
Immediately after a smoker stops smoking, breathing problems may worsen. Shortness of breath often occurs. There are several reasons for this, the main one being a sudden change in the functional state of the body. Abrupt withdrawal from nicotine and other substances stresses the body, which has adapted to their continued presence. The removal of tar 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 see a doctor.
Withdrawal symptoms
Seasoned smokers may experience withdrawal symptoms after quitting the bad habit. This is the body's normal response 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 widespread:
- weakness, fatigue;
- Headache;
- appetite disturbances;
- nausea;
- cough;
- arrhythmia;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- pressure changes.
Often, after quitting smoking, people experience shortness of breath. Symptoms can occur in different combinations.
Important! Usually, the condition improves within 1-2 weeks.
Therapy methods
Treatment is developed for each case individually. The patient's age, gender and health status are taken into account. Severity of symptoms and available contraindications.
Medicine
To treat the human respiratory system from the effects of smoking, the following groups of drugs are used:
- expectorant;
- herbal sedative to reduce anxiety and irritability (motherwort);
- nicotine replacement medicine - to reduce the urge to smoke.
Attention! Medicines can only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures are carried out in a hospital environment under the supervision of a doctor. The following things have a good effect on quitting smoking:
- massage therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- ultraviolet irradiation of the interscapular and collar zone;
- UHF therapy.
Physiotherapy methods help normalize breathing and improve the function 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 almost no limitations. Gymnastics can be done at any age, regardless of existing diseases.
The basic exercise is a certain breathing system (for example, inhaling quickly and exhaling slowly), in which movements are added (for example, pulling in and stretching the stomach or lifting and tightening, and then lowering and relaxing the shoulders). Gymnastics is done twice a day, repeat the exercise 10-15 times.
What can't you 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 choke during physical activity, you must immediately stop exercising and breathe calmly for 10 minutes.
Emotional stress can cause difficulty breathing. It is advisable to avoid stressful situations.
How long does shortness of breath occur when quitting smoking?
Restoring the respiratory system after smoking is a very individual process. The duration depends on many factors, including the smoker's age and health, smoking experience, and body characteristics.
Most often, shortness of breath occurs within the first 7-15 days after quitting smoking. On average, it takes 3 to 8 months to fully restore lung function.
Do your lungs become clean if you give up bad habits?
If you stop smoking completely, the improvement in your respiratory condition will be noticeable within a few days. Breathing will gradually return to normal, bad breath and shortness of breath will disappear, and coughing will disappear. The lungs of a person who quit smoking can eventually be completely cleared of tar 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, it is necessary to do it. Otherwise, the development of serious pathology will begin, which will further worsen the quality of life, and in addition may cause complications that affect the functioning of other body systems.