Electronic cigarette - side effects. What side effects can occur after quitting smoking

During smoking, many different processes take place in the human body and psyche. This applies to the specific moment of inhaling cigarette smoke and the entire long period when a person is in captivity of this habit. And it would be foolish to believe that quitting smoking passes without a trace. If suddenly the body stops receiving the required dose of nicotine (to which it is already accustomed), then of course, it is experiencing stress. And of course, certain changes and processes also take place at this time, but already different from the first.

British scientists in the course of the experiment found that the stress experienced by a person during smoking cessation is perhaps the greatest of all that we experience during our lives, or one of the strongest. At the very least, test subjects describe the first week without nicotine as the worst nightmare of their lives. And they claim that they experienced more stress than, for example, a week before marriage or during a divorce.

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That is why quitting smoking is very, very difficult. Otherwise, many smokers, who foolishly once started puffing on cigarette smoke, would have stopped this tobacco self- and general murder in a matter of minutes, deciding to make their health and the world around them better.

If you decide to quit smoking, but you are confused by the side effects, so to speak, then you will have to disappoint: they will certainly be. But this does not detract from the benefits that you will bring to yourself when you overcome this nicotine evil. And this is what we can please you with: the benefits are enormous!

So, you will have a hard time, but the game is worth the candle. Quit smoking - so far theoretically.

In general, everything that will happen to you now can be collectively called the smoking cessation syndrome. Whether it's physical sensations or mental changes, they all characterize nicotine withdrawal:

craving for nicotine;
dizziness;
depression;
feeling of frustration, anxiety, anxiety;
unstable mood;
impatience;
anger, nervousness, irritability;
impaired concentration;
sleep disturbance and insomnia;
headache;
cramps in the stomach;
general fatigue;
increased appetite;
exacerbation of chronic bronchitis,;
labored breathing;
pain in the body;
slow heart rate, etc.

The craving for smoking in each individual persists for a different period of time: from several weeks to months (in rare cases - more than a year) after quitting. But the abstinence syndrome is fleeting. For a week (maximum for 2-3) everything should pass. The main thing is not to give up prematurely. The first days after quitting smoking determine the success of your plan. The third day is especially difficult, but after breaking it will go down. And if you are determined to quit - consider it in the bag. The symptoms of withdrawal syndrome will begin to recede, which means it will become easier and easier.

Perhaps understanding what is happening will ease your suffering. The fact is that over the years of smoking, the body is physically accustomed to a constant intake. All your organs and systems have adapted to work in such conditions. And now these conditions have changed - the body begins to fight for a return to its previous state. But you must win this fight.

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You want to smoke again and again precisely because soon after smoking a cigarette, the body is cleared of nicotine and begins to demand the next dose. Well, it is logical that if a little more time passes, then the purification will be complete, and he will have to get used to the new conditions. This addiction is painful, debilitating, but inevitable. There will certainly come a point when the physical craving will disappear and the withdrawal syndrome will disappear. But with psychological dependence, you still have to work.

What is most interesting and should warm your soul: as soon as you stop smoking, positive changes begin to occur in the body. But he - that is, the body - reacts negatively to them. The point is: which side will you be on?

Don't give up, help yourself. From weakness and malaise (when blood pressure is greatly reduced) - tincture of Eleutherococcus, ginseng or lemongrass will help perfectly. You can also take something calming. Just in case, warn your loved ones in advance so that they do not pay attention to your causeless outbursts. Their understanding is also very important now.

Learn to enjoy and enjoy life in a new way. The fact is that when nicotine enters the brain, the pleasure hormone dopamine is produced. For a long time, the brain gets used to artificial stimulation and stops its production. Now he will learn it again - help him.

Falling immunity as a reaction to change

Many smokers after quitting smoking begin to get sick with viral and colds. But they have nothing to do with the changes that have taken place. On the contrary, it may seem to you that the body should now become stronger. And it is true. Just not right away. And at first, just the opposite happens: immunity falls.

Cough, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and even conjunctivitis - yes, you have a virus or a cold. But all because you have not smoked for several days. After all, now all your organs and systems are being rebuilt to function in new conditions. Including or primarily - the immune system. Therefore, it is weakened and unable to respond to the attack of diseases.

Often, in the first days after giving up, a smoker develops seizures and ulcers on the mucous membrane, stomatitis develops, and severe dryness in the mouth is felt. But do not lose optimism: in 2-3 weeks everything will change for the better.

Internal organs and systems come to life

H2_3

So, you have been ill, you have suffered, you have suffered. Now is the time to recover. True, the recovery process began a long time ago, but only after a few weeks you will reap the benefits in the form of reduced risks of dangerous diseases.

First of all, it concerns the cardiovascular system. Here, improvements occur among the first and are the most noticeable: the elasticity of blood vessels increases, the heart muscle receives sufficient nutrition and works at full strength.

The nervous system also returns to normal. You will notice that the trembling in the limbs has disappeared (or at least noticeably decreased). Nervousness and irritability will fade away, you will become more cheerful than two weeks ago. Lastly, the broncho-pulmonary system is restored.

So all organs and systems will gradually be renewed - you are reborn in a new nicotine-free life.

Changes in weight

This question worries women smokers the most. And for good reason. After all, I would not want to harm my figure, even for the sake of such a useful thing. And indeed, there are many reasons why this happens: metabolism slows down, taste buds improve, the most important way to quickly deal with stress in the form of a cigarette is no longer available. In addition, smoking dulls the feeling of hunger and so on.

But we hasten to reassure you. First, while weight gain is indeed possible after quitting smoking, the changes are usually minor: 3-4 extra pounds during the first year. Secondly, many still lose weight after quitting smoking: this is probably due to a change in their entire lifestyle for the fundamentally better. Thirdly, even if you are not lucky, and you belong to the first category of throwers, then weight gain can be controlled and with the right actions, no fat will occur. The main thing is to know how not to gain weight after quitting smoking, and follow these simple recommendations.

In memory of smoking

So, after a period of oppression and discomfort, there comes a period of renewal and uplifting. But do not be naive and do not expect that long-term smoking has gone without a trace.

During many years of inhalation of nicotine tar and other toxic substances of tobacco smoke, irreparable changes have occurred in the body. Scientists say that a 100% recovery will never come.

And all because changes in tissues and organs due to smoking occur at the molecular level. As a result, the genes responsible for cell division and DNA reconstruction are damaged. Therefore, even after several decades after quitting smoking, the risk of developing oncological diseases of the lungs, bronchi, blood, nasopharynx and oral mucosa remains quite high. This is especially true for lung cancer. But, undoubtedly, this risk is many times lower than that to which a smoker is exposed.

But it is still necessary and possible to quit

No matter how many years you have not smoked and no matter how old you are now, it is possible to quit smoking if you want to. And to facilitate the process and mitigate the consequences of quitting nicotine, you should adhere to a program to improve and restore the body.

You should be aware that the less experience you have, the less the consequences of this addiction will be. The easier it will be for you to deal with it. The faster and to a greater extent the body will resume. But for this you need to quit smoking today.

Perhaps you have been smoking for more than a dozen years and think that it is unlikely that anything will change for the better. But just think: after quitting smoking, you will have a lot of free time, you will not smell bad, you will be pleasant to talk to (and this is important both personally and in business terms), you will save a lot of money (cigarettes become more expensive with every in the afternoon) and you can finally go to Paris, you will not suffer from breakdowns during transfers and flights and will not experience discomfort in places that are prohibited for smoking. And, in the end, even if you no longer differ in the health of an athlete, but at the same time significantly reduce your risk of getting emphysema, lung cancer, atherosclerosis, or dying from a heart attack. And when, God forbid, it comes to this, you will sincerely regret that you did not quit smoking while reading this.

And the improvement of health will begin within half an hour. Just quit your cigarette and never smoke again. And you will start a new healthy life.

New life without tobacco

Let's imagine for a moment that you just smoked a cigarette and decided never to do it again. We congratulate you - now you will become much healthier and therefore happier. In just a few minutes, your risk of developing dangerous diseases will begin to decrease. And with each passing hour, the chances of recovery will increase.

Draw in your imagination a diagram of a person (yourself) and all his internal organs, imagine his well-being. And watch him get better right before your eyes. This is evidenced by studies conducted by American scientists:

Within 20 minutes after the last cigarette was smoked, the body begins the recovery process. Blood pressure and pulse stabilize and return to normal. Blood circulation improves, the temperature of the limbs (hands and feet) returns to normal.
Approximately 8 hours after quitting smoking, the level of carbon monoxide in the blood drops and the level of oxygen increases significantly. The so-called "smoker's breath" (bad breath, wheezing, coughing) becomes less pronounced.
After 24 hours, the body functions in an almost normal mode. Quitting smoking within 24 hours reduces your average chance of having a heart attack and increases your chances of surviving one if it does occur. The level of carbon monoxide in the blood finally returns to normal. Mucus and toxic foreign substances accumulated during a bad habit begin to be removed from the lungs, breathing becomes much easier. Nerve endings damaged during smoking begin to recover.
After 72 hours, the bronchioles become less tense, the breathing process becomes freer. The risk of thrombosis decreases, blood clotting returns to normal.
After 2-3 weeks, the vital capacity of the lungs begins to increase.
In the period from 1 to 9 months, you see that health has improved markedly. Coughing, wheezing, sinus congestion subside, you stop short of breath. With the restoration of lung function, the risk of developing colds and infectious diseases decreases.
After a year without nicotine, the risk of heart disease was halved compared to smokers.
After 2 years without cigarettes, the risk of a heart attack dropped to normal levels.
Five years after quitting, an ex-smoker who averaged a pack of cigarettes a day is half as likely to die from lung cancer, as well as get cancer of the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
After about 10 years, the probability of dying from lung cancer is at the same level as that of a non-smoker. The risk of other cancers such as kidney, pancreas and bladder cancer is markedly reduced.
After 15 years of smoking the last cigarette, the risk of heart disease is similar to that of a non-smoker.

Do you feel like you can breathe easier? Now tell me why you shouldn't quit smoking...

Specially for- Elena Kichak

withdrawal syndrome- a painful, often painful condition, which is a reaction of some body systems (mainly the nervous system) to the absence or decrease in the dose of a drug, alcohol, and other psychoactive substances that can be addictive, regularly introduced into the body. Withdrawal syndrome manifests itself mainly in the presence of a pronounced dependence on a particular substance. When quitting smoking, withdrawal symptoms are called nicotine withdrawal.

From the first days after quitting smoking, the following manifestations of nicotine withdrawal are possible: a strong desire to smoke, anxiety, irritability, tension, insomnia, depression, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, headache, convulsions, hand tremors, increased appetite, nausea, weakness, fatigue, constipation , tachycardia, increased blood pressure, bradycardia, shortness of breath, feeling short of breath, sweating, allergic reactions, severe coughing, mouth ulcers, etc. All these unpleasant effects are caused by the fact that, having lost the usual influx, your organs are trying to restore their normal work. This physical (physiological) recovery in one way or another is reflected in the mental and physical state of a person whose body has stopped receiving nicotine. A person experiences stress, the level of which largely depends on the mood of the person quitting smoking.

Nicotine withdrawal, like alcohol and drugs, is a complex of neuropsychiatric and physical symptoms. The thing is that smoking tobacco is addictive, both psychological and physiological. What is the difference between them, and how do they develop? Let's start with psychological addiction.

When smoking, a person, as a result of exposure to tobacco alkaloids (nicotine), feels a short-term surge of strength and vigor due to stimulation of acetylcholine receptors and the release of adrenaline into the blood. Starting with the first, and with each subsequent smoked cigarette, a clear reflex arc is formed in the smoker's central nervous system, a cigarette in the mouth - inhalation of smoke - pleasure. It should be noted that all encouraging conditioned reflexes are formed in an absolutely similar way in the body. That is, a person does something, then the body encourages him with the release of endorphins, which bring positive emotions. This happens, for example, during physical exertion in athletes. But in the case of smoking, endorphins are forced out, and our brain is deceived. According to the rules laid down in it by nature, the action, confirmed by the release of endorphins, is beneficial for the body, and the memory of it must be preserved by all means. This is how psychological addiction is formed, and it is the most difficult to get rid of it, because only the smoker himself can fight it, and no one can do it for him. Only he himself, with his will and good mood, can break this pathological reflex arc.

Now consider the physiological (physical) component of nicotine addiction. The effects of nicotine are ubiquitous and varied, but they are mainly realized through the effect of nicotine on the central nervous system. Nicotine interferes with many metabolic processes in the body. Almost every cell of the body undergoes this intervention, but physiological dependence develops mainly due to the effect of nicotine on the nervous system, not only on the central, but also on the peripheral. Nicotine becomes a participant in biochemical processes in it. As mentioned above, it excites cholinergic receptors, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is released, which conducts excitation through nerve cells. There is also a release of adrenaline, which, in turn, not only has a powerful versatile effect on the nervous system, but also a stimulating effect on other endocrine glands, and in particular on the pituitary gland. There are complex interrelated biochemical processes in the whole body. One thing is clear here - nicotine, like a horseman whipping a horse with a whip, "spurs" all these processes in the body of a smoking person, and the worst thing about this is that with regular smoking, they become as if normal. Over time, the sensitivity of cholinergic (acetylcholine) receptors is dulled and a person, in fact, smokes no longer in order to enjoy smoking, but to feel normal. It becomes uncomfortable without cigarettes.

When quitting smoking, the nervous system and the whole body will have, in its own way, a period of adaptation. The body (primarily the nervous system) needs to learn how to function normally without this stimulant, and this will definitely happen, because all these processes that occur under the influence of nicotine are not natural. In the early days of this "adaptation" a person is stressed and most of the above symptoms are associated with stress, but there are exceptions. For example, one of the negative effects after quitting smoking can be frequent colds of the respiratory system (ARI, severe infections are possible), namely the appearance of symptoms of bronchitis, laryngitis and rhinitis (cough, runny nose, nasal congestion). In this case, the following happens - with prolonged smoking, nicotine causes a persistent spasm of the bronchioles. Quitting smoking has the opposite effect - there is an expansion of the bronchi, and as a result, the risk of developing their infectious lesions increases. In principle, the expansion of bronchioles when quitting smoking is a normal phenomenon, because. bronchospasm in smokers is a protective reaction of the body - the body seeks to limit the access of tobacco smoke to the respiratory organs as much as possible. Well, the penetration of the infection into the dilated bronchi and the possible disease of bronchitis is the result of a malfunction that many smokers have. There is also an opinion of scientists that in a person who quits smoking, immunity is temporarily reduced due to the cessation of the intake of a large amount of toxic substances of tobacco smoke into the body - the immune system “relaxes”.

In the first days, a cough is possible that is not associated with the penetration of an infection (although its attachment is also possible). This cough occurs as a result of prolonged irritation of the bronchi and lungs by tobacco smoke. There is, in its own way, the cleansing of the respiratory organs from the accumulated mucus and products of tobacco smoke. The cough may be severe with sputum discharge. It should be noted that such a cough may also be due to existing chronic diseases of the respiratory system, which have worsened when quitting smoking.

There are cases when, after quitting smoking, ulcers appear in the mouth. The reason for their appearance, as well as frequent colds, is associated with a decrease in immunity during this period. For years, the mucous membranes of the oral cavity are irritated by tobacco smoke, and when a person quits smoking, they become very vulnerable to pathogenic microflora, because:

when quitting smoking, general immunity decreases;
as a result of prolonged irritating effects of tobacco smoke, the cellular immunity of the cells of the oral mucosa is reduced;
with prolonged smoking, the bactericidal properties of saliva decrease;
when quitting smoking, the oral cavity loses its last protection - the bactericidal action of nicotine (and possibly any other components of tobacco smoke).

Obviously, when quitting smoking, it is necessary to protect yourself from colds and pay attention to oral hygiene, and in the event of these unpleasant phenomena, be sure to consult a doctor.

Frequent colds and mouth ulcers are not related to the stress of quitting smoking, and they occur mostly after the most stressful period has already passed. However, most of the other possible manifestations of nicotine withdrawal that occur in the first days after quitting smoking are directly related to it. That's why, Before you decide to quit smoking, you need to be well prepared. You need to soberly weigh - are you in a good mood, are you ready to maintain peace of mind? In one way or another, stress will certainly arise, but the level of this stress largely depends on you. The stronger this stress is, the more possible are various manifestations of nicotine withdrawal, as well as side effects associated directly with the stress itself. Everything is interconnected here - stress is a manifestation of nicotine withdrawal associated with physiological dependence on nicotine, and nervous tension associated with psychological dependence exacerbates it, and creates a higher likelihood of various side effects.

Do not forget that, afraid of painful sensations, as well as the possibility of more significant manifestations of withdrawal, you yourself create a fertile ground for their occurrence. However, if you know that you do not tolerate stress well, and especially if you suffer from any disease in which stress is dangerous, then you need to stop smoking under the supervision of a doctor. As with any physical addiction, modern medicine copes with nicotine withdrawal very well. There are many ways to stop it, from nicotine patches, which will allow you to gradually reduce the dose of nicotine in your blood, to full transfusion therapy, and the use of nicotinic receptor antagonists, thanks to which you will get rid of all the unpleasant symptoms caused by stopping use in just a few days. tobacco.

At the same time, it should be understood that medicine is not omnipotent, and there is no “miraculous” injection that will once and for all save you from this addiction. Doctors can only help you at the very beginning of your journey, ensuring the normal functioning of your body. But the further path to a life free from this addiction, you will have to go yourself. And this path is far from always easy, you will have to overcome the resistance of your brain with your will, and only after some time, you will finally be able to tell yourself that you have become free from this addiction. Again, how long this “some time” will last is largely up to you. A lot depends on your attitude to the cigarette - it should be extremely negative.

Further. Even judging by the forum and comments in the articles on this site, we can say that quite often people who quit smoking experience shortness of breath, shortness of breath, and it is difficult for them to breathe. It should be noted that this happens not only in the first days after quitting smoking. Shortness of breath (shortness of breath) in the first days after quitting smoking is mainly related to stress. In this case, heavy breathing may be accompanied by high blood pressure and tachycardia. Here, I repeat, you need to be attentive to those people who suffer from diseases in which stress is dangerous.

Sometimes it happens when shortness of breath (shortness of breath) appears when the most difficult, most stressful period of quitting smoking is already behind and, perhaps, quite a long time has passed since the last cigarette smoked (mostly 2-3 weeks). This may be due to the fact that the nervous system of the smoker (in the past) is accustomed to the stimulating effects of nicotine, because nicotine excites the nervous system. It, as described above, excites acetylcholine receptors, adrenaline is released, which, in turn, is known to activate respiration, increase heart rate, and increase blood pressure. Shortness of breath should pass, but it is better to play it safe and consult a doctor on this topic.

It is very possible such an unpleasant phenomenon as a violation of intestinal motility. The movement of food mass in the intestines, as well as, in the future, feces (large intestine) is carried out due to contractions of the smooth muscles of the intestine. We said above that in people who smoke regularly, acetylcholine receptors lose their sensitivity. Acetylcholine, by transmitting nervous excitation to the nerve endings of the smooth muscles of the intestine, enhances intestinal motility. When quitting smoking, the tone of this muscle may decrease and the automatism of its contractions may be disturbed, due to the lack of a stimulating effect of nicotine on the "exhausted" acetylcholine receptors.

It is also necessary to say a few words about possible depression and loss of strength. One of the reasons for its occurrence is, also, the lack of a stimulating effect of nicotine. Here again, there is a lack of acetylcholine, adrenaline and their most complex effects on the central nervous system and the body as a whole. This is if you "look" from the physiological dependence on nicotine. But still, its role should not be exaggerated. A more significant cause of depression is the psychological part of addiction - the absence of the process of smoking and the sensations associated with it. There is not only some restructuring of biochemical processes in the central nervous system, but also consciousness, because addiction to smoking is a disease of consciousness and behavior. In general, the physiological and psychological dependence on nicotine are closely interrelated. Most of the manifestations of nicotine withdrawal are directly related to the central nervous system, and such a manifestation of it as depression is first of all, because our consciousness is “generated” in the central nervous system. A depressive state, to one degree or another, is possible from the first days of quitting smoking, and you need to be prepared for this. She will surely pass it is important to try not to give in to it. This is also important because it is depression that is one of the main obstacles to overcoming nicotine addiction - it is clear that it can "knock down" the mood of a person who quits smoking.

A few more words about being overweight. When quitting smoking, many people gain weight, this interesting phenomenon is directly related to the psychological dependence on tobacco. After all, food is the strongest natural antidepressant. I think each of you felt a pleasant heaviness in the stomach, after which the world seems beautiful, and the mood rises for several hours. It is this effect that ex-smokers use when they feel bad, without the usual dose of nicotine, they eat. And the positive emotions caused by eating extinguish the negative that arose in their central nervous system under the influence of a pathological reflex that causes a desire to smoke. It is quite natural that trying to defeat these urges, the smoker replaces one addiction with another, that is, instead of smoking a cigarette, he eats something. It is also necessary to recognize the fact that when quitting smoking, again due to the lack of a stimulating effect of nicotine on the nervous and endocrine systems, a temporary decrease in metabolic processes in the body (metabolism) is possible. However, a decrease in the level alone will improve the ability of erythrocytes to deliver oxygen, as well as, and, accordingly, tissue respiration, which to a large extent will contribute to an increase in the tone of the nervous system and an increase in metabolism. So, this fact can be neglected - if you try to use the same amount of food, as before quitting smoking, then you can completely do without extra pounds. Of course, there are drugs that suppress this side effect (increased appetite), but they cost a significant amount of money and must be taken under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Please, If in the process of "quitting smoking" any severe symptoms appear, do not neglect to see a doctor. After all, it doesn’t matter what causes, for example, high blood pressure, the important thing is that it is dangerous! We often scold doctors, sometimes justly. In fact, there are talented and not very talented doctors, attentive and rude, but it is clear that they know more than the most well-read patients anyway. Even the worst doctor has at least medical experience and diagnostic tools. And before quitting smoking, it is better to consult a doctor. At the very least, this is the "" to your approach to quitting smoking.

If you decide that you will not be able to quit smoking without the help of drugs, then it is best to consult a doctor for their prescription. Most drugs have their contraindications and nicotine replacement drugs are no exception. In addition, it may happen that if any symptoms occur, it will be difficult to understand - are they a manifestation of nicotine withdrawal, or are they a side effect of the drug used?

With regard to the above, one more very important point should be noted. Some people don't like going to the doctor, even when they're sick or just not feeling well. So here it is there are times when such people, suddenly feeling unwell, consider it a “sure sign” that it is time to quit smoking (sometimes smoking and drinking at the same time). You can’t do this, because the reason for feeling unwell is unknown, and as mentioned above, stress can be dangerous in some diseases. Quitting smoking, in this case, can aggravate the disease that caused the poor health. This does not mean that you need to continue smoking, it means that you should definitely see a doctor first!

In conclusion, I want to note that this article was written in connection with the first comments on the article ““, it begins the “Quit Smoking” column. This article is written as a continuation of that article and the rubric as a whole. All articles in this column are interrelated and aim to create a positive mindset for people who want to quit smoking, and as a result, reduce stress, which is one of the main causes of all possible negative side effects. There is no need to be afraid of their occurrence. This article is written, as they say, in fairness. The above can and does happen. It is intended for people who smoke, for whom stress is dangerous. This article would like to emphasize that if any severe symptoms occur during the process of quitting smoking, whether it be prolonged insomnia, persistent anxiety, depression, or tachycardia, severe shortness of breath, high blood pressure, chest pain, severe cough, fever and etc., then you definitely need to see a doctor! After all, it does not matter what caused this or that symptom, the important thing is that it is abnormal, and maybe dangerous! This mainly concerns the elderly, as well as all people with diseases in which stress is contraindicated. For such people, before quitting smoking, you need to talk about it with your doctor.

In any case, there is no need to be afraid. The main problem in the first days after quitting smoking is stress, the degree of which, I repeat, is in your hands. None of the manifestations of the withdrawal syndrome listed at the beginning of the article may be present. In addition, do not forget that in addition to stress, from the first day of quitting smoking, the body experiences great relief, because a huge amount of toxic substances will no longer enter it. All the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal that have arisen will certainly pass. You have to be patient. The most difficult thing is with its most important symptom - the desire to smoke. How long this desire will haunt you depends on you.

Electronic cigarettes are positioned by manufacturers as a harmless alternative to tobacco products. These are modern gadgets that produce fragrant steam. How are e-cigarettes arranged? Do they help you quit smoking?

Smoking electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes imitate . However, instead of tobacco smoke, they produce steam with or without a certain amount of nicotine.

A microprocessor is built into each gadget, which, when a button is pressed, activates the action of the spiral: it heats up and turns the liquid into steam. Outwardly, it does not differ from the smoke of ordinary cigarettes, but does not have a specific tobacco smell. A person takes a puff of steam, and then exhales it.

The main components of the mixture for e-cigarettes:

propylene glycol;
glycerol;
liquid nicotine;
food flavoring.

Theoretically, all components, in addition to nicotine, are harmless to the body. In the process of soaring, tars and carcinogens are not emitted, and due to the absence of a pungent odor, the device is allowed to be used in public places. However, some researchers argue that due to insufficient control, low-quality ingredients are often mixed into the liquid or the nicotine content is increased in them.

Principle of operation

The mechanism of action of an electronic cigarette is similar to that of an inhaler. At the moment of puffing, the liquid is generated into vapor, which is inhaled.

The gadget is battery powered and turns on with a button or automatically at the moment of tightening. When a person takes a breath, a microprocessor starts up inside the battery, giving a signal to the vaporizer and an LED smoldering simulator.

As a result of heating the liquid, steam is produced that enters the lungs. After inhalation, the device turns off, and with the next puff it is activated again.

Device

The device of most electronic cigarettes includes 3 elements:

Battery.
Atomizer.
Cartridge.

Batteries are divided into push-button and automatic, which are activated at the moment of inhalation. At the end of the battery there are LEDs that simulate burning.

The cartridge is a cartridge with liquid that is fed into the atomizer. Outwardly, this is a filter, inside it there are several elements: a mouthpiece, a reservoir and a porous material.

Through the cartridge, the liquid enters the atomizer - the main element of the gadget, where steam is generated. A spiral and a wick are placed inside. At the top of the evaporator is a metafoam bridge that ensures contact with the cartridge.

There are also other variations of the vaporizer - cartomizer and clearomizer. The cartomizer is a combined atomizer and cartridge. The clearomizer has a built-in cartridge that can be refilled.

On the video, the device and the principle of operation of an electronic cigarette:

Features of use

Each element of an electronic cigarette has a certain reserve of working capacity. They need to be properly maintained in order to function properly.

The average battery life is 5-6 hours, then it needs to be charged. The cartridge is comparable to a pack of cigarettes, but it can be used up faster. When smoking a regular cigarette, a person sees when it ends, and the gadget does not have a limiter.

When the cartridge is used up, it must be replaced by unscrewing the old one and installing a new one. When using a clearomizer, it is necessary to open the tank and pour a new portion of liquid into it.

Benefit and harm

When switching to an electronic cigarette, positive changes are noted: the whiteness of the teeth returns, it becomes easier to breathe, the morning cough and headache disappear. This happens in connection with the cessation of intoxication of the body with harmful substances of tobacco smoke. However, in addition to a positive effect, there are also many answers to the question of whether there is any harm from smoking such a cigarette.

Physiological factors

E-liquid does not emit tar, so it is considered less harmful. On the other hand, propylene glycol in its composition often causes allergies. Also, the liquid contains nicotine, and this is a poison that poisons the body.

For this kind, they are no less dangerous than ordinary ones. Nicotine will quickly accumulate in the blood of the fetus, resulting in damage to its internal organs.

There are also serious consequences during pregnancy:

Miscarriage.
Spontaneous abortion.
premature birth.
Oxygen deficiency in the fetus.

Electronic cigarettes can cause serious harm to teenagers. They often try an e-cigarette just out of curiosity, but after a while they get the urge to try tobacco. At the same time, the danger of nicotine use in adolescence is very serious - a negative impact on the development of the brain.

Psychological factors

The danger of the e-cigarette is that it can cause a strong psychological addiction. Such a device does not have a limiter, so a person may not let it out of his hands all day. On a subconscious level, there is a need to constantly hold something between the fingers.

In addition, the safety of e-cigarettes for health is actively replicated, although the results of many studies prove the opposite. Convincing himself of the harmlessness of the gadget, a person begins to soar without fear.

On the video about the benefits and dangers of electronic cigarettes:

Second hand smoke

Scientists from the University of Southern California conducted a study that showed that e-cigarette vapor contains more toxic metals than conventional cigarette smoke. This proves the harm of passive smoking.

Most of the harmful metals, according to researchers, enter the liquid as a result of non-compliance with the production technology. Control in this area is weak, as no relevant quality standards have been developed so far.

Side effects

Electronic cigarettes cause side effects. Many of them are related to quitting tobacco. The body, accustomed to regular poisoning with carcinogens and resins, begins to get rid of toxins, which is accompanied by:

acne;
burning taste (bitterness) in the mouth;
cough;
mouth ulcers;
bleeding gums;
nausea;
headache;
weakness.

These symptoms usually resolve within 1-2 months, when the body has eliminated most of the toxins. There are also side effects after smoking associated with an allergy to propylene glycol and an overdose of nicotine:

dizziness;
night sweats;
dryness in the throat;
muscle pain;
hiccups
diarrhea;
rapid pulse.

Can you quit smoking with an e-cigarette?

The effect of electronic cigarettes on the body has not yet been fully studied, so it is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of whether these devices help to quit smoking. Experts only agree that those who do not have a bad habit should not start vaping an electronic cigarette - this will definitely not bring health benefits.

Some doctors claim that by gradually reducing the amount of nicotine in the e-liquid, their patients manage to get rid of addiction. In contrast, scientists from the United States present the results of their research.

Americans have found that many e-liquids contain more nicotine than stated on the packaging, resulting in addiction forming very quickly. In addition, the mixtures for e-cigarettes contain purified liquid nicotine, which is instantly absorbed in the form of vapor. Among the 136 participants in the study, only one managed to overcome addiction forever with the help of a modern gadget.

Compared to conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes have several advantages. However, it cannot be called absolutely harmless to health.

Here is a comparison table:

Cigarette	Plain	Electronic
Released substances	5000 chemical compounds, including: resins; carcinogens; nitrosamines; carbon monoxide; hydrocyanic acid; nitrogen oxides; free radicals; radioactive components; 76 metals.	Toxic metals, including: chromium; nickel; zinc; lead.
The amount of nicotine consumed	Puff limit - 1 cigarette.	There is no limit on the number of puffs, as a result of which nicotine consumption can increase significantly.
Smell	Tobacco smoke impregnates clothes, hair, hands, causes bad breath.	No bad smell.
Addiction	Formation of nicotine dependence.	Is highly addictive. Even nicotine-free liquid provokes a persistent psychological dependence.
Second hand smoke	Harm to others.	Harm to others.
Dry mouth and cough.	Yes	Yes
Yellowing of teeth and nails	Yes	No
Diseases of the internal organs	Yes	not enough data

Why do unpleasant symptoms occur from the moment of giving up cigarettes?

Nicotine is a substance that is not produced by the human body. It comes from outside when smoking. People who smoke get addicted to nicotine very quickly. By giving up cigarettes, you block access to this substance. Your body will be left without the chemical support it had during the years you smoked. As a result, a state of shock will occur, in which unpleasant symptoms of quitting cigarettes will begin to appear.

Side effects are noted by many ex-smokers who have started a bad habit. What symptoms occur after quitting smoking once and for all? Let's consider the most basic of them.

Side effects of nicotine withdrawal and ways to get rid of them

Your body, after you quit smoking, will work a little differently. The following effects that cause discomfort may occur:

nicotine starvation;
cough and sore throat;
irritability;
increased food cravings.

Let's take a closer look at each symptom.

Nicotine starvation

One of the consequences of quitting smoking is a strong craving for cigarettes. Your body will experience nicotine starvation and need chemical support. For this reason, many people who quit smoking return to cigarettes again.

So that after giving up a bad habit not to break again, experts recommend eating vegetables and fruits at least 4 times a day. The effectiveness of this method was proved by American scientists who conducted relevant studies.

Heavy smokers cannot do without nicotine therapy. It refers to the use of drugs containing nicotine. As a rule, such therapy is carried out for 3 months from the moment of quitting smoking.

cold symptoms

In the first days after quitting smoking, your cough will intensify. You will feel a tickle in your throat. Such symptoms occur with a cold, but in this case they have nothing to do with it. When smoking, the condition of the mucous membranes deteriorates significantly. Nicotine is destructive to cells. Smoking causes dryness of the mucous membranes.

After giving up cigarettes, the cells of the respiratory tract are restored, small cracks heal. This results in cold symptoms. To eliminate cough and discomfort in the throat, it is recommended to drink more water. Thanks to the liquid, the mucous membranes will be moistened.

Irritability

The consequences of quitting smoking also include increased irritability. When you smoked, nicotine entered your body and affected your brain. The substance lifted the mood. After giving up cigarettes, the amount of pleasure hormones produced decreases. You begin to feel uncomfortable sensations, become more irritable. These side effects go away on their own. If they bother you, then visit a doctor. He will prescribe nicotine therapy.

Increased food cravings

Nicotine, getting into the body, blocks the neurons that are responsible for the feeling of hunger. In this regard, you do not observe an increase in appetite in yourself. After quitting smoking, all the sensations that were muffled earlier are exacerbated. The body begins to demand food. You can cope with increased cravings for food, reduce your appetite with fruit chewing gum.

A month after giving up cigarettes is a very difficult period. The side effects keep me from living a normal life. If you cannot cope with the consequences of quitting smoking on your own, then consult a pulmonologist. If necessary, he will prescribe the appropriate drugs for you.

Side effects fromsmoking is usually manifested by the day. You need to know about them and take them into account - this will help you not to break loose and forget about the bad habit forever. Otherwise, a person will return to addiction, and this will gradually poison his body.

Symptoms accompanying throwing after quitting smoking, appear most in those smokers who indulged in a bad habit for a long time. Cigarette smoking plunges a person into a state close to euphoria, but it occurs in small doses and is given at the cost of one's own health. Sooner or later, many smokers decide to put an end to their addiction and embark on the path to a healthy life.

How is deliverance

Side effects that occur when quitting smokingmost often manifest in everyone in the same way, but there are also individual symptoms. You need to set yourself up for their occurrence, otherwise it will be very difficult to resist the desire to smoke again.

After quitting smokingoften appear symptoms withdrawal symptoms, which are sometimes very difficult to cope with abandoned this bad habit. There are cases when a person has the idea that he felt much better when he smoked, but this is self-deception, which can lead to incorrect actions . Side effects can be quite uncomfortable.

Help deal with these. symptoms maybe a positive attitude and the realization that they are a temporary phenomenon. After nicotine and other toxins cease to enter the body, it begins to experience a state of stress.After quitting smokinga negative effect is exerted on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as on the respiratory and stomach organs. All the symptoms that arise cause stress.

What Happens During a Rejection

What are the side effects advancing after quitting smoking? They may vary depending on the characteristics of the human body, its age, as well as the length of smoking. They appear due to stress, which is caused by the fact that the flow of nicotine has stopped. The most difficult period is the second half of the first week, when quit smoking . The adaptation period itself can last up to 16 weeks.

In the case when a person smoked two packs a day, his body was strongly influenced by toxins and other harmful substances contained in tobacco smoke. Usually the effect of smoking disappears within 25 minutes and then withdrawal starts to occur, the body needs a new dose.

In such a situation, the following changes occur:

heart rate slows down;
blood pressure decreases;
blood vessels dilate.

These manifestations will not cause major changes in the body, but if a person does not smoke another cigarette, they will begin to worsen. A person begins to feel warmth in the body, especially in the fingertips. This is due to vasodilation.

Those who smoked for 5-10 years will not feel this symptom so soon, but within a few days or even a week.

After quitting smokingwithdrawal syndrome occurs. It manifests itself in such signs:

strong craving for smoking;
sleep problems;
nervousness;
irritation;
mild dizziness;
increased appetite;
focusing problems.

First days

The first day will not be easy. After three hours, the discomfort will no longer worsen. Most ex-smokers note that the severe condition will last for 7 hours. The respiratory system will begin to change after the first 4 hours. The person will feel that his breaths have become deeper. Unaccustomed to this, this can lead to a panic state, but do not worry, because this is the first sign that the body has begun to recover.

In addition, in the first days the body will be saturated with oxygen, which will replace the carbon monoxide that has joined the blood cells.

Soon the restructuring of the whole organism will begin, so oxygen will begin to flow to the organs and cells. This will not affect the human condition in any way.

After this stage is over, it will be easier for a person to cope with negative symptoms.

On the second day, changes occur in the cardiovascular system. There is a high risk of a heart attack. On this day, a person will begin to better taste food and feel different smells. In heavy smokers, these sensations may appear later.

In addition, the following symptoms may also occur:

constant desire to eat;
increased nervousness;
burst of energy in the morning;
reducing cravings for cigarettes.

First month

Nicotine completely leaves the body after 3 days. But this does not mean that smoking is over. A good mood, due to its firm decision to give up a bad habit, passes with time, and in its place apathy, a feeling of fatigue, and depression appear. Negative symptoms do not go away and are added to them by headache, vomiting and breathing problems during fast walking. These manifestations may last for several days. At this time, the desire to smoke will begin to haunt a person and the risk of a breakdown increases. It takes a lot of willpower to resist temptation.

Most negative symptoms disappear after a few weeks. Positive changes are starting to show. Starting from the second week, the person becomes more energetic.

Within 4 weeks, other positive changes begin to occur, such as:

more active blood circulation occurs;
improves the functioning of the respiratory system;
improves the condition of blood vessels.

In addition, with a cough, the lungs are cleared, and combustion products are removed with sputum.

First year

Positive changes are on the way. The condition of the skin improves. It looks healthier and the person visually takes on a rejuvenated appearance.

Over time, men become better potency. The craving for cigarettes disappears, and with it the dependence on nicotine. Immunity increases, which affects the general condition of a person. He no longer suffers from colds.

But the negative symptoms still remain. Due to an increase in appetite, a person can gain excess weight, so you need to monitor your diet or go on a diet.

Often a person is tormented by a cough, but this does not happen in all ex-smokers. Usually it depends on the experience of smoking, as well as the individual characteristics of the organism. Coughing attacks most often appear in the morning, before going to bed and after a long lying down. If it is difficult to take it out, it is recommended to seek help from a specialist.

Each manifestation of negative symptoms passes with time, so the most important thing is to successfully survive difficult periods.