Smoking overview

Smoking Microchapters
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Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Smoking from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
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Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]

Overview

Smoking is a recreational activity in which a substance, most commonly tobacco, is burnt and the smoke tasted or inhaled. This is primarily done as a form of recreational drug use, as combustion releases the active substances in drugs such as nicotine and makes them available for absorption through the lungs. It can also be done as a part of religious rituals, to induce trances and spiritual enlightenment. The most common method of smoking today is through cigarettes, either industrially manufactured or rolled with loose tobacco and a rolling paper. Other forms, though less common, are pipes, cigars, bongs, and hookahs. Smoking is one of the most common forms of recreational drug use

Historical perspective

History of smoking can be dated to as early as 5000 BC. Tobacco first cultivated in the America in 3000 BC. Next important phase in smoking history returns to world exploration by sailors.

Classification

Smoking may be classified as heavy and non-heavy, depending on the number of cigarettes consumed per day.

Pathophysiology

Nicotine from the cigarette is rapidly absorbed form the lungs and diffuses readily into brain where it binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Stimulation of nicotinic acetyl choline receptor in the brain results in the release dopamine and other neurotransmitters which are responsible for the feeling of pleasure.

Causes

The common risk factors for smoking are, poor family ties, unemployment, alcohol addiction, using illicit drugs, anxiety disorders, and genetic susceptibility.

Risk factors

The common risk factors for smoking are, poor family ties, unemployment, alcohol addiction, using illicit drugs, anxiety disorders, and genetic susceptibility.

Physical Examination

The physical examination of a patient who smokes may show tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, smoke-odored clothing, stained teeth or fingernails, hoarse voice and wheezing.