Topics

Intro
Cigarette Smoke
Nicotine
Carbon Monoxide
Smoke and Bone
Bone Healing
Wound Healing
Lower Back Pain
General Problems
Legs and Feet
Summary

Nicotine

Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco smoke. It is a drug with unique properties, which may seem paradoxical. Nicotine results in a sense of relaxation and well being but at the same time a feeling of heightened concentration. The outcome is a greater ability to focus and function mentally.

Unfortunately, nicotine has other effects which are not helpful and even harmful. The substance is addicting, and longstanding use is the rule rather than the exception. With prolonged use, the long term effects are impossible to avoid. Nicotine results in a release of chemicals known as catecholamines. These substances produce the adrenaline rush with which most of us are familiar. Biologically they are intended to facilitate the flight or fight response when we are faced with danger.

Blood vessels constrict. Blood pressure increases and blood flow is reduced to the periphery: our arms and legs. These factors all lead to a decrease in the flow of blood; the effects of this reduction in blood flow are most pronounced in the distant hands and feet.

Nicotine also has an important effect upon blood coagulation. The platelets in the blood stream which are necessary for blood clotting, become sticky. They adhere to each other and form clots. A fibrinous molecule, fibrinogen, is also rapidly manufactured and the blood becomes thicker and more viscous. Red blood cells stack upon each other forming conglomerations or rouleaux, and the end result is an increase in the thickness or viscosity of blood.

These factors of thicker blood which is flowing through constricted arteries combine to reduce the amount of blood delivery to all tissues in the human body. Since blood transports oxygen to our tissues, the final outcome is a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the muscles, tendons, and bones of the human body.