The potential health problems associated with cigarette smoke have become the target of public health campaigns in recent years as new research has come to light. In 2006 the U.S. Surgeon General reported on the widespread dangers of secondhand smoke. A 2010 Berkeley National Laboratory study confirms dangers from thirdhand nicotine particulate. Health symptoms range from simple respiratory aggravations to life-threatening conditions that can harm adults and children.
Elevated Heart Rate
The nicotine in cigarette smoke speeds up the heart rate in tobacco users, an effect that lasts for 20 minutes after a smoking session, according to a 2004 report by the U.S. Surgeon General. This and other cardiovascular impacts of smoking damage the heart and blood vessels, causing atherosclerosis, or clogged arteries. First- and secondhand smoke produce these symptoms, which increase the risk for further heart health problems.
Respiratory Symptoms
Cigarette smoke causes breathing problems in both tobacco users and nonsmokers, according to both surgeon general reports. Coughing, phlegm and wheezing are experienced by adults and children, and those with asthma and allergies have more severe symptoms after contacting smoke. Over time, the American Lung Association notes, breathing ability becomes seriously restricted in smokers, and when smoking leads to emphysema, the health problems are irreversible.
Reduced Exercise Tolerance
The combination of heart and lung alterations limits smokers' capacities for physical activity. Shortness of breath can occur from stair climbing or walking short distances, according to the American Cancer Society.
Besides restricting any type of athletic performance, this symptom can create more serious health problems when strenuous exercise is attempted. The surgeon general's 2006 report adds that nonsmokers who already have respiratory diseases can suffer from these breathing problems after inhaling secondhand smoke.
Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms
The American Heart Association points out that reduced exercise tolerance along with complications from atherosclerosis raise the risk for life-threatening cardiovascular symptoms. Chest pains, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness accompany heart attacks.
Difficulty walking, talking or seeing may precede strokes. The risk of these events is greatest in tobacco users, but may result from repeated secondhand smoke exposure, according to the surgeon general's 2006 findings.
Cancer Symptoms
Cigarette smoke carries great risks for developing cancers. Tobacco use is known to cause lung and other cancers in smokers, and secondhand smoke causes cancer in nonsmokers. Thirdhand particulate that smokers carry on their clothes and hair can contaminate household items and pose health risks to babies and children who ingest the residue.
The American Cancer Society lists lung cancer symptoms that include chest pain, weight loss and recurrent cough, pneumonia or bronchitis.
