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can i smoke cigarettes when i have a cold
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Lung & Breathing Conditions
Question #16640
46 days ago
112

can i smoke cigarettes when i have a cold - #16640

Tara

I am trying to figure out if I can smoke cigarettes when I have a cold. Last week, I started with a sore throat and then the coughing kicked in, which totally ruined my weekend plans. I always smoke a few cigarettes when I’m out with friends, but right now, it feels like a bad idea. My chest is tight and sometimes I feel like I can't take a deep breath without a cough, but I still feel the urge to smoke. I guess I’m just looking for clarity or maybe reassurance that smoking won’t make things worse! My friend says I should quit entirely when I’m sick, but honestly, it’s hard to resist. Sometimes I wonder if I’m just being stubborn or if there really are serious risks. Like, can I smoke cigarettes when I have a cold? I’ve heard both sides of the argument. Central to my concerns is whether the cigarettes will prevent me from healing, or could they even make my cough worse than it already is? It's like, I can’t stand the thought of a scratchy throat and the idea of adding smoke to that just feels wrong, but I also don’t want to miss out on social time. Any advice from you docs out there would be sooo helpful!

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Doctors’ responses

Smoking cigarettes when you have a cold is generally not advisable. When you have a cold, your respiratory system is already stressed and your body is working hard to fight off the infection. Smoking during this time can exacerbate the symptoms you’re experiencing, like the sore throat and cough you’re describing. Cigarette smoke is an irritant—it can make your cough worse and also prolong your illness by further irritating the respiratory tract. This could potentially lead to complications like bronchitis, especially if you’re already having trouble taking deep breaths. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can also impair how your immune system functions, making it harder for your body to recover from the cold. While the social aspect of smoking can be tempting, it’s important to weigh that against the potential for longer-term discomfort and extended recovery time. In addition, inhaling smoke can reduce the efficiency of nasal cilia—tiny hair-like structures that help to remove mucus and pathogens from your airways. Instead of smoking, consider using a nicotine replacement therapy if you’re finding it difficult to resist the urge to smoke. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and resting can also help relieve some of your symptoms. If you find that you are having significant trouble breathing or if you experience a high fever, it would be wise to seek medical evaluation to rule out any more serious conditions. Ultimately, allowing your body to heal without the added stress of smoke exposure is likely to result in a quicker recovery.

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