Question

Nicotine acts upon the nervous system. What kinds of effects would you expect nicotine to have on the body? How would that be manifested?

Answer 1

Consumption of nicotine is one of the leading causes of death worldwide because of its addictive nature. Its adversely effects all parts of the body leading to serious issues. Some of the harmful effects of nicotine include-

1. Circulation - increase in blood clotting tendency, atherosclerosis and enlargement of aorta.

2. Pain and tremor in muscles.

3. Branchospasm in lungs

4. High insulin level leading to insulin resistance.

5. Joint pain

6. Diarrhoea, nausea, heart burn, peptic ulcers as well as metastasis in gastro-intestinal regions.

7. Headache, dizziness, irritability, light-headedness, sleep disturbances.

8. Increased/decreased heart rate, increase in blood pressure leading to tachycardia and coronary artery disease.

9. If consumed during pregnancy, the child develops a risk for type 2 diabetes, respiratory dysfunction, infertility, obesity and hypertension.

Treatments for nicotine addiction include -

1. Smoking cessation quitlines.

2. Nicotine replacement therapy ( gums, nasal sprays, nicotine patches, inhalers etc.)

3. Varenicline- a medication for decreasing rewarding effects of smoking along with craving abd withdrawal symptoms.

4. Buproprion (antidepressant) + behavioural therapies.

Manifestation or symptoms of nicotine consumption/addiction include -

1. Inability to stop consumption of nicotine/ nicotine products.

2. Development of withdrawal symptoms if stoped using.

3. A strong desire of smoking even in adverse health complications.

4. Continuing use of tobacco products in worst health conditions as well.