What Are the Immediate Effects of Smoking?

According to the American Council on Science and Health, young male smokers are four times more likely to suffer from sudden death than nonsmokers. Statistics like these are making many Americans shun tobacco products altogether, though many smokers still remain. Smoking cigarettes not only has long-term effects that can be extremely hazardous to one's health, but there are many short-term effects that smokers should be aware of as well; some of which aren't so readily apparent.

Brain Chemistry

• According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the brain cell receptors of smokers exhibit fewer dopamine receptors when compared to the brains of nonsmokers. This, according to many studies, may lead to a greater risk of addiction and dependency for the smoker.

Respiratory

• Smoking has many immediate effects on the respiratory system. This includes an increase in phlegm and mild to serious coughing. Bronchospasm, which is the tightening of the airways that lead to the lungs, can also occur. This may lead to severe fatigue in the smoker as breathing becomes more difficult.

Cardiovascular

• Smoking results in an immediate increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Smoking also constricts blood vessels, which may make some users more prone to a heart attack or stroke. People who smoke cigarettes may develop blood clots through a process known as thrombosis, which results in blood vessels that become blocked and restrict the flow of blood to vital organs in the body. Smokers may also develop atherosclerosis, a type of residue that builds up in one's arteries and restricts blood flow.

Gastrointestinal

• According to a study performed by the American Journal of Gastroenterology, smokers are at an increased risk of suffering from heartburn and acid regurgitation when compared to nonsmokers. This is due to the fact that the smoker's digestive acids are weaker than that of a nonsmoker's, thus giving it more time to adversely affect and damage the esophagus. Smokers are also at an increased risk of suffering from peptic ulcer disease, halitosis and a number of periodontal diseases including plaque, tooth decay, gum disease and oral infection.

Immune System

• Smoking affects one's immune system in several ways. Ear infection, sinusitis or sinus inflammation, rhinitis and pneumonia may develop at any time within a smoker's immune system.

Physical Appearance

• Perhaps the most noticeable effect of smoking is the impact it has on the smoker's appearance. Yellow teeth, fingers and fingernails are all common traits among smokers, as is premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, especially around the mouth.