There’s no denying that cigarette smoke is terrible for your health. You know that exposure to cigarette smoke increases your risk of lung damage, certain cancers, and other issues. But did you also know that, in addition to the long-term effects, cigarette smoke can immediately affect your health? It’s true; cigarette smoke can make you nauseous. And here’s why.
Cigarettes and tobacco smoke contain harmful chemicals and toxins like tobacco, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide. Inhaling these chemicals can irritate your stomach. When you ingest these chemicals, you risk poisoning your body. And nicotine and carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Another reason is that cigarette smoke can decrease saliva production. Saliva keeps your mouth moist and its tissues healthy. But, when you’re dehydrated, your mouth becomes dry; this can upset your stomach, make you feel nauseous, or vomit.
Everyone who smokes doesn’t get nauseous afterward. But if you’re someone who does, the best way to reduce your nausea and risk of serious complications is to quit smoking.