What is Cigar Sickness?
Imagine sitting down to enjoy a fine cigar, the rich aroma filling the air, the smooth flavor dancing on your palate. But then, out of nowhere, you start to feel nauseous, dizzy, and even lightheaded. Your cigar experience that was supposed to be enjoyable has turned into an uncomfortable ordeal. What you are experiencing is known as cigar sickness.
Cigar sickness, also known as nicotine sickness or tobacco poisoning, occurs when a person becomes overwhelmed by the nicotine in cigars. It can happen to anyone, whether you are a seasoned cigar aficionado or a beginner. But why does it happen, and what can you do to prevent it?
Why Does Cigar Sickness Happen?
Cigars contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance found in tobacco. When you smoke a cigar, the nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream through the lining of your mouth and lungs. While cigars generally contain less nicotine than cigarettes, they still have a significant amount.
When you smoke a cigar, you are not inhaling the smoke into your lungs like you would with a cigarette. Instead, you are drawing the smoke into your mouth and savoring the flavors. However, even without inhaling, the nicotine can still be absorbed into your body through the mucous membranes in your mouth.
Because cigars are larger and burn longer than cigarettes, the amount of nicotine you are exposed to can be much higher. This can lead to nicotine overload and result in cigar sickness symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
Preventing Cigar Sickness
While cigar sickness can be unpleasant, there are steps you can take to prevent it and ensure a more enjoyable cigar experience:
- Choose milder cigars: Opt for cigars with lower nicotine content to reduce the risk of cigar sickness. Mild cigars are often a good choice for beginners or those who are more sensitive to nicotine.
- Smoke slowly: Take your time when smoking a cigar and avoid puffing too frequently. Slow and steady smoking allows your body to process the nicotine more effectively.
- Don’t inhale: Remember, you are not supposed to inhale cigar smoke into your lungs. Keep the smoke in your mouth and savor the flavors.
- Pair with food and drink: Enjoy your cigar with a meal or a beverage. The presence of food in your stomach can help mitigate the effects of nicotine.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water while smoking a cigar to stay hydrated and help flush out any excess nicotine.
Key Takeaways
Cigar sickness, also known as nicotine sickness or tobacco poisoning, occurs when a person becomes overwhelmed by the nicotine in cigars. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their experience level. To prevent cigar sickness, choose milder cigars, smoke slowly, don’t inhale, pair with food and drink, and stay hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can cigar sickness be dangerous?
A: While cigar sickness is generally not considered dangerous, it can be very uncomfortable. If you experience severe symptoms or have concerns, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
Q: Can I develop a tolerance to nicotine and avoid cigar sickness?
A: Some individuals may develop a tolerance to nicotine over time, which can reduce the risk of cigar sickness. However, it is still important to smoke responsibly and be mindful of your nicotine intake.
Q: Is cigar sickness the same as a nicotine buzz?
A: No, cigar sickness and a nicotine buzz are two different experiences. A nicotine buzz is a pleasurable sensation that some cigar smokers enjoy, while cigar sickness is an unpleasant feeling of nausea and dizziness.
Conclusion
Now that you understand what cigar sickness is and how to prevent it, you can enjoy your cigar experience without feeling sick. Remember to choose milder cigars, smoke slowly, avoid inhaling, pair with food and drink, and stay hydrated. By following these tips, you can savor the flavors of your cigar without the discomfort of cigar sickness.
