Smoking is often associated with diseases that only appear after many years, but the body begins to react almost immediately when tobacco smoke is inhaled.
According to Keck Medicine of USC, tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical substances, several of which are harmful and can affect the body within a short period of time.
The first signs
The smoke can irritate the nose, mouth, and esophagus. You may start coughing, experience a dry mouth, and develop bad breath.
Tar and heat from the cigarette can also affect the teeth, gums, and lips. Over time, smoking can leave visible marks on the skin as well.
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After about 20 minutes, nicotine enters the bloodstream. This can cause both heart rate and blood pressure to rise.
Nicotine can also affect the brain, making it harder to resist the urge to smoke again. At the same time, the sense of smell may become impaired.
After a few hours
If no more cigarettes are smoked, nicotine and carbon monoxide begin to leave the body within 8 to 48 hours, according to Keck Medicine of USC.
Taste and smell may start to return. The body may also begin clearing mucus from the lungs.
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Even a single cigarette can trigger noticeable changes in the body. For this reason, experts at Keck Medicine of USC recommend not starting to smoke, or quitting if you already do.
Sources: Keck Medicine of USC.
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