Physical Effects of a Cigarette

Cigarette smoking has a detrimental long-term and short-term impact on health. The impact of the ingestion of nicotine can be seen on all major organ systems of the body. Despite an abundance of scientific information that espouses the negative consequences of smoking cigarettes, many people continue to smoke. Although there has been a steady decrease in the number of Americans smoking, one in five American deaths can be attributed to smoking. Over a billion dollars per year, in the United States, are directed toward smoking related disease. Moreover, secondhand smoke is the cause of roughly 50,000 deaths per year. The devastation to the body and to the economy is serious.

Detrimental Impact on the Digestive System

• Smoking destroys the sense of taste and smell.

  The immediate ingestion of nicotine triggers an increase in the production and secretion of stomach acid. This, in the long-term can lead to the formation of stomach ulcers, as the extra acid destroys the integrity of the stomach lining. Long term exposure to the nicotine, tars and smoke from cigarettes leads to a reduced ability to taste. Additionally, the sense of smell is destroyed and the smoker develops chronic halitosis.

Detrimental Impact on the Circulatory System

• The heart is damaged by prolonged exposure to nicotine.

  Nicotine causes an immediate increase in adrenaline which leads to a series of reactions. There is an immediate increase in heart rate and respiration. Blood pressure increases in response to the combination of constriction of blood vessels and the increased heart rate.The prolonged secretion of adrenaline has an adverse impact on the entire circulatory system. A constant increase in the secretion of adrenaline causes the heart to beat faster, putting a consistent strain on the heart. A consistent strain on the heart and long-term increase in blood pressure, coupled with exposure to the tars and nicotine, causes arteriosclerosis.

Detrimental Impact on the Respiratory System

• A cigarette destroys air quality for the smoker and others.

  Prolonged exposure to nicotine, tar and the hot smoke of a burning cigarette paralyzes the cilia, the hair like projections that line the respiratory system. The cilia are responsible for trapping foreign particles that might invade the bronchial tubes and lungs. Once the cilia become ineffective, the respiratory system becomes compromised. The paralyzed cilia are no longer able to trigger the coughing reflex to expel foreign particles and bacteria.

Detrimental Impact on the Nervous System

• Nicotine damages the nervous system and interferes with brain function.

  Cigarettes also lead to a detrimental impact on the nervous system, by decreasing the flow of oxygen to the brain. When a smoker inhales cigarette smoke, the carbon dioxide in the smoke enters the blood stream and takes the place of the oxygen that should be in the blood. The reduction of oxygen in the blood impairs nervous activity and reduces cerebral functioning. The reduction of available oxygen, together with the impairment of the circulatory system, can lead to the development of blood clots. These clots can lead to stroke.