Contrary to popular belief, cigar smokers can become addicted to nicotine even if they don't inhale. In addition, cigars are a major source of fine-particle and carbon monoxide indoor air pollution. Back to top. Smoking is one of the leading causes of respiratory diseases suchas chronic bronchitis and is a major trigger of other chronic lung problems like asthma. The smoke from cigarettes produces irritation in the lungs, compromising their resistance to viruses that can develop into colds and flus.
Smoking also kills the cilia that line the lungs and take in oxygen and put out carbon monoxide.
As cilia die, the body becomes less efficient in this oxygen exchange. Meanwhile, the body expends a lot of energy to repair damage to cilia which, in turn, places a strain on the immune system, decreasing resistance to illness. Back to top. It's a matter of perspective. However, the results are much more impressive when the patch is combined with behavioral treatment to address the psychological aspects of smoking addiction.