Smoking destroys the tiny air sacs, or alveoli, in the lungs that allow oxygen exchange. When you smoke, you are damaging some of those air sacs. Alveoli don’t grow back, so when you destroy them, you have permanently destroyed part of your lungs. When enough alveoli are destroyed, the disease emphysema develops.
What are the side effects of nicotine?
Common Side Effects
- Decreased appetite.
- Heightened mood.
- Increased activity in the intestines.
- Increased production of saliva and phlegm.
- Increased heart rate.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Sweating.
- Nausea.
How does nicotine affect the respiratory system?
Nicotine causes an increased respiratory rate as well as an increase in production of respiratory secretions. Although respiratory stimulation occurs at low dosing, overdose can cause paralysis of the respiratory system, resulting in respiratory failure and death.
What are the effects of smoking on the respiratory system?
The effects of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system include: Irritation of the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box). Reduced lung function and breathlessness due to swelling and narrowing of the lung airways and excess mucus in the lung passages.
What are the harmful effects of nicotine?
Commonly reported side effects of nicotine include: nasal mucosa irritation. Other side effects include: arthralgia, nausea and vomiting, and mild headache.
How does smoking and nicotine damage your body?
Smoking damages your entire cardiovascular system. Nicotine causes blood vessels to tighten, which restricts the flow of blood. Over time, the ongoing narrowing, along with damage to the blood vessels, can cause peripheral artery disease. Smoking also raises blood pressure, weakens blood vessel walls, and increases blood clots .