What happens if you drink water soaked with a cigarette?
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
After soaking cigarettes in water and drinking the liquid, one may generally experience gastrointestinal discomfort, nicotine poisoning, liver function damage, irritation of respiratory mucosa, and impaired nervous system function. Substances in cigarettes such as tar and nicotine dissolve in water and can irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea; in severe cases, this may lead to mucosal damage.
After soaking cigarettes in water and drinking the liquid, one may generally experience gastrointestinal discomfort, nicotine poisoning, liver function damage, irritation of respiratory mucosa, and impaired nervous system function. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Substances in cigarettes such as tar and nicotine dissolve in water and can irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, this may lead to mucosal damage.
2. Nicotine poisoning: Nicotine from cigarettes dissolves in water and is rapidly absorbed by the body when ingested. Excessive intake can cause poisoning, manifesting as dizziness, headache, palpitations, and sweating. In severe cases, confusion or convulsions may occur.
3. Liver function damage: Harmful substances in cigarettes are metabolized by the liver after entering the body. Long-term or excessive consumption of cigarette-soaked water increases the liver's workload, potentially leading to hepatocyte damage and impaired liver function.
4. Irritation of respiratory mucosa: When drinking cigarette-soaked water, some of the liquid may irritate the throat and respiratory mucosa, triggering coughing, sore throat, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. It may also induce or exacerbate respiratory conditions such as bronchitis.
5. Impaired nervous system function: Nicotine affects the central nervous system. After consuming cigarette-soaked water, individuals may experience difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and insomnia. Long-term exposure could lead to nervous system dysfunction.
In daily life, it should be clearly understood that soaking cigarettes in water offers no benefits and poses serious health risks. Drinking such liquid should never be attempted. If accidental ingestion occurs and adverse symptoms develop, consumption should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought promptly to avoid delays in treatment.
