Why does smoking cause nausea and vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting after smoking may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as chronic pharyngitis or gastritis.

I. Physiological Factors

This may occur in individuals who do not smoke regularly. Occasional smoking can expose the recurrent laryngeal nerve to irritating substances in tobacco, causing discomfort. Alternatively, excessive smoking may reduce oxygen levels and increase carbon dioxide levels in the body, leading to transient hypoxia in brain tissue or other organs.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Chronic Pharyngitis

In patients with chronic pharyngitis, inflammation increases the sensitivity of nerves in the throat. Smoking further irritates these sensitive nerves, resulting in nausea and discomfort.

2. Gastritis

If a patient already has gastritis, the gastric mucosa is不同程度 damaged and gastric nerve sensitivity is heightened. Harmful substances in tobacco can stimulate these sensitive gastric nerves after smoking, causing abnormal gastric motility.

Besides the above causes, nicotine poisoning could also be a possible factor. It is recommended to identify the underlying cause and take appropriate measures accordingly.