Many people believe that cigars are less harmful than cigarettes. After all, cigar smoke isn’t inhaled into the lungs, right? Unfortunately, this is a myth. Although the way cigars are smoked differs from smoking cigarettes, the health risks are comparable, and in some cases even greater.<\/p>\n\n
Both cigars and cigarettes contain tobacco, and thus nicotine and tar. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that affects the nervous system, increasing the risk of heart disease <\/a>and stroke. Tar, on the other hand, is a mixture of hundreds of chemical compounds, many of which have carcinogenic effects. <\/p>\n\n The concentration of these harmful substances in cigars is often higher than in cigarettes. One cigar can contain as much tobacco as an entire pack of cigarettes! <\/p>\n\n While cigarette smoke is usually inhaled into the lungs, cigar smoke usually stays in the mouth and is released. However, this does not mean that it is safe. The mucous membranes of the mouth and throat also absorb nicotine and tar, which increases the risk of cancer in these areas. <\/p>\n\n Smoking cigars significantly increases the risk of cancers of the oral cavity, throat, larynx and esophagus. Cigar smoke, rich in carcinogens, irritates the mucous membranes, leading to inflammation and precancerous lesions. <\/p>\n\n Although cigar smoke is not usually inhaled into the lungs, it can still negatively affect the respiratory system. Cigar smokers are at a higher risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and emphysema. <\/p>\n\n The nicotine in cigars affects the circulatory system, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis.<\/p>\n\n Cigar smoking is also associated with other health problems, such as:<\/p>\n\nDifferent ways of smoking, similar effects<\/h2>\n\n
Cancers of the oral cavity, throat and larynx<\/h2>\n\n
Respiratory diseases<\/h3>\n\n
Cardiovascular diseases<\/h3>\n\n
Other risks<\/h3>\n\n
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The myth of “occasional” cigar smoking<\/h3>\n\n