Physiological Effects Of Smoking Research Articles

Unpacking smokers' beliefs about addiction and nicotine: A qualitative study.

Evidence suggests that consumers correctly identify nicotine as addictive; however, many may also harbor misconceptions about its harmfulness. The majority of this evidence is based on survey data, however, which may be prone to some limitations. In the current study, we employed qualitative methods to examine, in their own words, smokers' beliefs about nicotine and addiction. Twelve 1-hr focus groups were conducted in 3 cities in the United States (Columbus, OH; New Orleans, LA; and Washington, DC) from October to November, 2014. Adult cigarette smokers (N = 108), defined as those who reported smoking cigarettes on every day or some days, were segmented by age group (18-25 years and ≥26 years) and tobacco-use behavior. Thematic, in-depth analysis of focus-group discussion transcripts was conducted. Participant demographic information was recorded. Results showed that smokers identify nicotine as a cause of addiction to cigarettes; however, they also attribute their addiction to other factors. When asked about nicotine's effects on the body, immediate physiological effects of smoking (e.g., stimulation, relaxation) were top of mind. Opinions varied in terms of whether nicotine itself was harmful or harmless; many were unsure and/or had not considered this question. Discussions revealed heterogeneity in smokers' beliefs as well as recognition of their own uncertainty and lack of knowledge. The current findings provide insight that smokers may not be as misinformed regarding the relative harms of nicotine and tobacco, as has been suggested by quantitative evidence. Implications for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

General mechanisms of nicotine‐induced fibrogenesis

Cigarette smoking contributes to the development of cancer, and pathogenesis of other diseases. Many chemicals have been identified in cigarettes that have potent biological properties. Nicotine is especially known for its role in addiction and plays a role in other physiological effects of smoking and tobacco use. Recent studies have provided compelling evidence that, in addition to promoting cancer, nicotine also plays a pathogenic role in systems, such as the lung, kidney, heart, and liver. In many organ systems, nicotine modulates fibrosis by altering the functions of fibroblasts. Understanding the processes modulated by nicotine holds therapeutic potential and may guide future clinical and research decisions. This review discusses the role of nicotine in the general fibrogenic process that governs fibrosis and fibrosis-related diseases, focusing on the cellular mechanisms that have implications in multiple organ systems. Potential research directions for the management of nicotine-induced fibrosis, and potential clinical considerations with regard to nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) are presented.

Decreasing Nicotine Content Reduces Subjective and Physiological Effects of Smoking.

Assessment of the subjective and physiological effects of smoking cigarettes with different machine-smoked nicotine yields. Eight volunteers rated the characteristics of cigarettes with varying levels of nicotine (Quest®). At 30 minute intervals, participants smoked one of three different Quest® brand cigarettes in a counterbalanced order (reported machine-smoked nicotine yield: 0.6 mg, 0.3 mg, or 0.05 mg). Smoking satisfaction and sensations were measured on a cigarette evaluation questionnaire. A mood questionnaire measured self-reported subjective changes in 'happy', 'stimulated', 'anxious', 'desire to smoke', and 'desire not to smoke'. Heart rate and skin temperature were recorded continuously. As nicotine yield decreased, cigarettes produced smaller changes in subjective ratings on the evaluation questionnaire with the placebo nicotine cigarette always rated lower or less potent than the other two cigarettes evaluated. Heart rate was significantly increased by the reduced nicotine cigarettes, but was not affected by the nicotine-free cigarette. These results indicate that machine-smoked yield is an important determinant of both the subjective and physiological effects of smoking. The use of reduced and nicotine free cigarettes in smoking cessation programs remains to be evaluated.

Ethnic differences in predictors of adolescent smoking onset and escalation: A longitudinal study from 7th to 12th grade

The present study sought to determine whether risk factors for cigarette smoking onset have a stronger influence on Black versus White children, and whether those patterns differ for nonsmokers versus experimental smokers. As part of a larger study, 5,213 seventh graders were surveyed annually for 5 years. The survey instrument assessed cigarette smoking, along with a variety of background variables thought to influence smoking. Results indicated that rebelliousness predicted smoking onset for Black nonsmokers; peer modeling was more influential for Whites. For both ethnicities, socially isolated children were at increased risk. The variables that predicted the shift from experimental to regular smoking were for the most part different from those that predicted smoking onset. Specifically, youths who lived with smokers, viewed smoking as a means to a goal, and experienced few adverse physiological effects of smoking were more likely to increase their cigarette consumption. Overall, we found that, contrary to previous research, risk factors for smoking differed across ethnicity. Further, smoking onset appears to be shaped by forces different from those that accelerate consumption.

A pilot study of some associations between behavioural stressors and physiological processes in healthy men.

A study was made of the physiological effects of smoking, psychological stressors, heat, exercise, and fat ingestion on 12 healthy men. Repeated measurements were made of cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, enzyme, lipid, and other variables in all stressor situations. The main findings were that psychological stressors and exercise were associated with more and larger physiological changes than the other stressors, and widespread response differences in addition to those in lipids were identified between subgroups of seven normolipidaemic men and five hypertriglyceridaemic men.

Deterring the Onset of Smoking in Children: Knowledge of Immediate Physiological Effects and Coping with Peer Pressure, Media Pressure, and Parent Modeling1

Entering seventh grade, most children believe that smoking endangers their long‐term health. Nevertheless, three sources of social pressure were found to often have an overriding influence to begin smoking: peers, models of smoking parents, and media. Interventions were developed to train children to cope with these pressures. Also stressed were immediate rather than long‐term physiological effects of smoking. A dependent measure was utilized that generates increased validity of self‐reports of smoking. A 10‐week investigation was completed with 750 male and female students entering the seventh grade. Rates of onset of smoking in treatment groups were significantly lower than in a pretest‐single posttest control group.

Physiological Effects of Smoking

Physiological Effects of Smoking