MANTASHA
Smoking even a single puff of a cigarette can have immediate effects on your body. Here are seven changes that can occur:
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Nicotine, the primary addictive substance in cigarettes, quickly enters the bloodstream and stimulates the adrenal glands to release adrenaline. This causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
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Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict (vasoconstriction), reducing blood flow to extremities like the hands and feet. This can lead to a temporary drop in skin temperature.
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Nicotine triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This can create a feeling of relaxation, contributing to the addictive potential of smoking.
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Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, which binds to hemoglobin in the blood more effectively than oxygen. Even a small amount can reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to temporary oxygen deprivation in tissues.
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The chemicals in cigarette smoke irritate the mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, a sore throat, or a burning sensation in the lungs and throat.
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Smoking can dull your senses of taste and smell due to the effects of the smoke on sensory receptors in the nose and mouth.
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Nicotine can cause a temporary increase in blood sugar levels by prompting the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream.
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