Feeling Nauseous: Is Smoking Affecting My Health?

Q: Feeling Nauseous: Is Smoking Affecting My Health?

Dear friend： Based on your age, it seems that you started smoking during your adolescence? It appears that you have developed a dependency on it? You want to quit smoking, but it seems you don't have a strong enough reason to stop, and instead, you find yourself smoking more when

That's disgusting?

Hello Dr.
Tang: I have been smoking for about seven years.
Recently, when I am under stress or feeling down, I experience nausea when I smoke.
Sometimes I also have a loss of appetite and feel like vomiting.
I'm not sure if it's due to smoking too much or if it's a psychological effect on my physiology.

pp, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/05/13

Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Smoking Cessation

Dear friend: Based on your age, it seems that you started smoking during your adolescence? It appears that you have developed a dependency on it? You want to quit smoking, but it seems you don't have a strong enough reason to stop, and instead, you find yourself smoking more when under stress or feeling down, which sometimes leads to feelings of nausea, loss of appetite, or even vomiting.
Generally, individuals with a smoking habit experience cravings to smoke during stressful or low emotional periods, which is one of the signs of nicotine addiction.
However, your situation seems to differ from the norm.
You are unsure whether this is due to smoking too much or if psychological factors are influencing your physiological responses.
From a theoretical standpoint, it is common to experience such physiological reactions during the early stages of quitting smoking (approximately one week), which is part of nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
I would suggest you harness this discomfort to help you quit smoking! If you find it difficult, many medical facilities across the country have smoking cessation clinics where you can seek assistance nearby.
Wishing you peace and joy!

Reply Date: 2003/05/13

More Info

Dear friend,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about smoking and its effects on your health. It’s commendable that you are reflecting on your smoking habits, especially after seven years of smoking. The feelings of nausea and loss of appetite you are experiencing can indeed be linked to your smoking, as well as the psychological stress you mentioned.

Firstly, smoking is known to have a wide range of negative effects on both physical and mental health. Nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, can lead to various physiological responses in the body. When you smoke, nicotine enters your bloodstream and affects your brain, leading to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can create feelings of pleasure. However, over time, your body can become dependent on nicotine, and when you are under stress or feeling low, the absence of nicotine can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including nausea.

Moreover, smoking can irritate your gastrointestinal tract. The chemicals in cigarettes can disrupt the normal functioning of your digestive system, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. This could explain why you feel nauseous when you smoke, especially during times of stress. The body may react negatively to the toxins in cigarettes, particularly when it is already under stress.

Additionally, the psychological aspect cannot be overlooked. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms. When you are feeling low or anxious, your body may react in various ways, including gastrointestinal distress. This means that your feelings of nausea could be a combination of both the physiological effects of smoking and the psychological impact of stress.

It’s also important to consider the long-term health risks associated with smoking. Chronic smoking can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and various forms of cancer. The longer you smoke, the greater the risk of developing these conditions. If you are experiencing nausea and other symptoms, it may be a sign that your body is reacting negatively to smoking, and it could be an opportunity to consider quitting.

If you are contemplating quitting smoking, it’s a positive step towards improving your health. Many people experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop smoking, but these symptoms typically subside after a few weeks. The benefits of quitting smoking are substantial, including improved lung function, better circulation, and a reduced risk of serious health issues.

I encourage you to seek support if you decide to quit. There are various resources available, including counseling, support groups, and nicotine replacement therapies that can help ease the transition. Additionally, engaging in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies can also be beneficial for both your mental and physical health.

In conclusion, the nausea and loss of appetite you are experiencing could be linked to both your smoking habits and the psychological stress you are under. It’s crucial to listen to your body and consider making changes to improve your health. Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it is one of the best decisions you can make for your overall well-being. If you have further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.

Take care of yourself, and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Best wishes,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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