Nicotine is a substance found in tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco and electronic vaporizers. It is a toxic chemical that can cause addiction, and is harmful to people even when inhaled at low levels. It is absorbed quickly from the skin or mouth, and it can be ingested through smoke or vaporization. Nicotine is also an insecticide and can kill people at high enough concentrations.
When nicotine enters the body, it is immediately absorbed in the bloodstream and travels to the brain. It stimulates the release of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps explain its addictiveness. It also increases heart rate, blood pressure and the amount of oxygen used by the body. As a result, it can cause headaches, nausea and difficulty concentrating. Nicotine is also known to trigger the production of inflammatory chemicals that can cause irritation and inflammation in the lungs, throat and mouth. It can also affect the body’s ability to heal itself from wounds, and can decrease blood flow to the lungs. It can also make certain health conditions worse, such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Studies suggest that smoking can shorten a person’s life by up to 10 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. In addition, the use of tobacco products can make it more difficult to conceive, and can increase the risk of complications during childbirth. Smoking can also cause cancers of the lungs, throat, mouth, esophagus, colon, pancreas and breasts. It can also contribute to the development of coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular diseases.
Those who smoke also spend more time sick, and have higher medical care costs than non-smokers. In fact, those who smoke can be charged up to 50% more for insurance than people who do not smoke. The ingredients in tobacco smoke can also damage the eyes and teeth, and lead to gum disease, dental problems and loss of teeth. Smoking also can lead to a decreased immune system, which can make it harder to fight off infections and illnesses.
Smoking also makes some conditions, such as back pain, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, sinusitis and fibromyalgia, more painful. It can reduce the ability of the lungs to carry oxygen and can cause eye diseases, such as dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration and cataracts. Smokers may suffer from a lack of energy and have difficulty focusing, and they can be at an increased risk for depression. They also can experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit smoking.