The Chronological Effects of Smoking Cigarettes
Cigarettes, long recognised as detrimental to health, are laden with over 5,000 chemical substances, each inflicting its own form of damage as it courses through the body. While the perils of smoking have been known for decades, understanding precisely how cigarettes harm us illuminates the urgency of quitting and the potential for healing. Let’s embark on a journey through the body’s responses to smoking, from the immediate impact of inhalation to the transformative benefits of quitting.
Immediate Effects (0-10 Minutes)
Within moments of inhaling cigarette smoke, the body experiences a surge of nicotine, a highly addictive substance. This leads to a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure, causing immediate stress on the cardiovascular system. Additionally, carbon monoxide, a toxic gas, binds to red blood cells, reducing their ability to carry oxygen efficiently. As a result, smokers may feel a shortness of breath and dizziness within 0-10 minutes after smoking.1
Short-Term Effects (1-7 Days)
In the days following smoking, the body continues to endure the consequences of cigarette consumption. Persistent exposure to nicotine leads to increased tolerance, prompting individuals to smoke more to achieve the same effects.2 Moreover, the respiratory system becomes further compromised as the cilia, tiny hair-like structures in the lungs responsible for clearing mucus and debris, are paralysed by the toxins in cigarette smoke. This impairment may result in coughing, wheezing, and heightened susceptibility to respiratory infections.3
Medium-Term Effects (1-9 Months)
As weeks turn into months of smoking, the detrimental effects on health become more apparent. Smokers often experience reduced lung function and may develop chronic bronchitis, characterised by persistent inflammation of the airways and excessive mucus production.45 Furthermore, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (including coronary artery disease and stroke) escalates as smoking contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries; thus, narrowing blood vessels and impeding their circulation.6
Long-Term Effects (2+ Years)
Years of smoking take a significant toll on overall health, increasing the likelihood of developing life-threatening conditions. The risk of lung cancer skyrockets, with smokers being several times more likely to develop this deadly disease compared to non-smokers. Moreover, smoking is a leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition marked by irreversible airflow limitation and respiratory distress.7 Additionally, smoking accelerates the aging process, leading to premature wrinkles, skin damage, and a weakened immune system.8
The Reversal: Effects of Quitting Smoking
Quitting smoking initiates a remarkable reversal of the damages inflicted by cigarettes.
Immediate Effects (20 minutes to 12 hours):
Heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop, improving circulation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.9
Short-Term Effects (1-9 months):
Lung function improves, and coughing and shortness of breath diminish as the cilia in the lungs regain function, clearing mucus and reducing the risk of infections.10
Medium-Term Effects (1-5 years):
The risk of heart disease drops to half that of a current smoker.
Additionally, the risk of stroke continues to decrease, and lung function continues to improve, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases.11
Long-Term Effects (10+ years):
The risk of lung cancer decreases significantly, approaching that of a nonsmoker.
In addition, the risk of other smoking-related cancers, such as throat and mouth cancer, declines steadily.
Lastly, overall mortality rates begin to approach those of people who have never smoked.12
Conclusion
The impact of smoking cigarettes transcends mere moments of indulgence, permeating through immediate, short-term, medium-term, and long-term timelines. From the instant rush of nicotine to the devastating consequences that unfold over years, smoking exacts a profound toll on health and well-being.
However, the decision to quit smoking initiates a powerful journey towards health and well-being, with benefits that extend from the immediate cessation of smoking to long-term improvements in quality and length of life. Recognising the comprehensive nature of these effects underscores the urgency of tobacco control efforts and the importance of promoting smoking cessation initiatives to safeguard public health.
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Perkins, K.A., Grobe, J.E., Epstein, L.H., Caggiula, A., Stiller, R.L. and Jacob, R.G. (1993). Chronic and acute tolerance to subjective effects of nicotine. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 45(2), pp.375–381. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-3057(93)90254-q.
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Kim, V. and Criner, G.J. (2013). Chronic Bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, [online] 187(3), pp.228–237. doi:https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201210-1843ci.
Rosenberg, S.R. and Kalhan, R. (2016). Chronic Bronchitis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Magnifying Why Smoking Cessation Still Matters Most. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, [online] 13(7), pp.999–1000. doi:https://doi.org/10.1513/annalsats.201605-360ed.
Gallucci, G., Tartarone, A., Lerose, R., Lalinga, A.V. and Capobianco, A.M. (2020). Cardiovascular risk of smoking and benefits of smoking cessation. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 12(7), pp.3866–3876. doi:https://doi.org/10.21037/jtd.2020.02.47.
Walser, T., Cui, X., Yanagawa, J., Lee, J.M., Heinrich, E., Lee, G., Sharma, S. and Dubinett, S.M. (2008). Smoking and Lung Cancer: The Role of Inflammation. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society, [online] 5(8), pp.811–815. doi:https://doi.org/10.1513/pats.200809-100th.
Yazdanparast, T., Hassanzadeh, H., Nasrollahi, S.A., Seyedmehdi, S.M., Jamaati, H., Naimian, A., Karimi, M., Roozbahani, R. and Firooz, A. (2019). Cigarettes Smoking and Skin: A Comparison Study of the Biophysical Properties of Skin in Smokers and Non-Smokers. Tanaffos, [online] 18(2), pp.163–168. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230126/.
DeSarkissian, C. (2019). What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Smoking. [online] WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/ss/slideshow-effects-of-quitting-smoking.
Cleveland Clinic (2023). What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Smoking? [online] Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/happens-body-quit-smoking [Accessed 15 Apr. 2024].
Nall, R. (2018). What Happens When You Quit Smoking: A Timeline of Health Effects. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/what-happens-when-you-quit-smoking.
American Lung Association (2023). Benefits of Quitting Smoking. [online] Available at: https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/i-want-to-quit/benefits-of-quitting#:~:text=10%20Years%20After%20Quitting%3A [Accessed 15 Apr. 2024].