Black Vomit and Cough: Smoking's Long-Term Effects

Q: Black Vomit and Cough: Smoking's Long-Term Effects

Hello： If there is no cough or vomiting, it is still possible that there is a gastric issue. <br>Please discuss your diagnosis and treatment with your physician.

Coughing up black chunks?

Hello, I have been smoking for about 9 years.
I don't smoke on Saturdays and Sundays, but last month, a doctor told me that smoking for 40 years at 10 cigarettes a day is more harmful than smoking for 20 years at 20 cigarettes a day.
Additionally, he mentioned that if someone smokes for less than 10 years and quits before the age of 25, their cancer risk will only be slightly higher than that of the general population, regardless of when they start smoking.

1.
I want to ask if this is true? I have already quit for about a year and a half.

2.
My second question is about an incident today.
After eating, I went to the bathroom two hours later and intentionally induced vomiting.
During the vomiting process, I also coughed, but I can't remember if I coughed out or vomited something black that looked like tar.
If it was coughed out, could it be tar or something similar? Even though I have quit for over a year, is it possible to still cough up such substances? In the early stages of quitting, I didn't have any coughing issues, and the vomiting was spontaneous.
When I pushed hard, there were yellowish-green marks on the tissue, but after coughing a few times, it stopped.

Dd, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/31

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology

Hello: If there is no cough or vomiting, it is still possible that there is a gastric issue.
Please discuss your diagnosis and treatment with your physician.

Reply Date: 2017/10/31

More Info

Understanding the long-term effects of smoking and the symptoms you are experiencing is crucial for your health. Let's break down your questions and concerns regarding smoking, its health risks, and the specific symptoms you mentioned.

1. Is it true that smoking for 40 years at 10 cigarettes a day is more harmful than smoking for 20 years at 20 cigarettes a day?
Yes, this statement has merit. The cumulative effects of smoking are complex and depend on various factors, including the duration and intensity of smoking. Research indicates that the risk of developing smoking-related diseases, including cancer, is significantly influenced by the total number of cigarettes smoked over a lifetime, known as pack-years. For example, a person who smokes 10 cigarettes a day for 40 years has a higher cumulative exposure to harmful substances than someone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day for 20 years.
Moreover, the age at which a person starts smoking and the duration of smoking can also impact health outcomes. Starting smoking at a younger age can lead to a higher risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. However, quitting smoking at any age can significantly reduce these risks. Since you have been smoke-free for over a year, you have already begun to lower your risk of developing smoking-related diseases. The body has remarkable healing capabilities, and many health benefits can be observed after quitting smoking, including improved lung function and reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

2. Regarding the black vomit and cough: Could it be tar or something related to smoking?
The black, tar-like substance you described could potentially be related to the effects of smoking, particularly if you were coughing or vomiting forcefully. When you smoke, tar and other harmful substances accumulate in the lungs and respiratory tract. Upon cessation of smoking, the body begins to clear these substances, which can sometimes result in coughing up dark or discolored mucus.
However, it is essential to consider other factors that could contribute to your symptoms. The presence of yellow or greenish stains on tissue after coughing could indicate the presence of mucus, which may be a sign of an infection or inflammation in the respiratory tract. If you are experiencing persistent coughing, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

Additionally, if you are experiencing spontaneous vomiting, this could be related to gastrointestinal issues rather than directly linked to your smoking history. The act of vomiting can sometimes cause irritation in the throat and lungs, leading to coughing.
In summary, while your smoking history does play a role in your current health, the body can recover significantly after quitting. The symptoms you are experiencing warrant further investigation by a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions and to ensure you receive appropriate care. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns is vital for your health and well-being.

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