Health Desk
Tv10 Punjab
Sandeep Dhand
Nutritionist And Health Educator
INTRODUCTION : Winter is a season that brings cold weather, foggy mornings, and longer nights. During this time, many people change their daily habits. One such habit that often increases in winter is smoking. Many smokers believe that cigarettes help them feel warm, relaxed, or less stressed in cold weather. Some even think that smoking protects them from cold-related illnesses.
But is smoking during winter really helpful? Or does it cause more harm than good?
From a health point of view, smoking in winter is more dangerous than in other seasons. Cold weather already puts stress on the body, and smoking adds extra pressure on vital organs like the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This article explains in simple language why smoking in winter is harmful, how it affects different parts of the body, common myths about smoking in cold weather, and healthier alternatives to stay warm and relaxed.
Why Do People Smoke More in Winter?
There are several reasons why smoking increases during winter:
- Feeling of Warmth
Many smokers feel a temporary warmth after smoking. This is because nicotine stimulates the nervous system. However, this warmth is false and short-lived. - Stress and Mood Changes
Winter brings shorter days and less sunlight. Some people feel low, lazy, or stressed, so they turn to smoking for comfort. - Social Habits
Tea, coffee, and smoking often go together, especially in winter evenings. - Less Outdoor Activity
People exercise less in winter, spend more time sitting, and smoking becomes frequent.
Though these reasons feel understandable, they do not make smoking safe.
Does Smoking Really Keep the Body Warm?
This is one of the biggest myths.
The Truth:
Smoking does not keep the body warm. In fact, it does the opposite.
Nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow. When blood flow reduces, less warm blood reaches the skin, hands, and feet. This makes the body feel colder, especially in winter.
Many smokers complain of:
Cold hands and feet
Numb fingers
Poor circulation
So, smoking actually increases cold sensitivity instead of reducing it.
Effect of Smoking on the Lungs During Winter
Lungs Are More Vulnerable in Cold Weather
Cold air already irritates the lungs. When cigarette smoke enters the lungs, the damage becomes double.
Smoking:
Damages lung lining
Reduces lung capacity
Weakens natural defense mechanisms
Increased Risk of Respiratory Infections
During winter, diseases like:
Cold and cough
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Asthma attacks
become common.
Smoking makes these conditions worse because it:
Paralyzes lung cilia (tiny hair-like structures)
Traps mucus and germs
Slows recovery
Even a mild cough can turn serious in smokers.
Smoking and Winter Cough
Many smokers believe winter cough is “normal.” But this is dangerous thinking.
Smoker’s Winter Cough
Smoking causes:
Thick mucus
Continuous throat irritation
Persistent coughing
Cold air increases mucus thickness, making breathing harder.
This can lead to:
Chronic bronchitis
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Winter cough in smokers should never be ignored.
Impact on Heart Health in Winter
Winter Is Already Risky for the Heart
Cold weather increases:
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Risk of heart attack
Smoking Adds More Danger
Smoking:
Thickens blood
Narrows arteries
Reduces oxygen supply
In winter, this combination becomes extremely dangerous.
Higher Risk of:
Heart attack
Stroke
Sudden cardiac arrest
Elderly people and those with diabetes, high BP, or cholesterol face even higher risk.
Smoking and Blood Circulation in Cold Weather
Good blood circulation is essential to maintain body temperature.
Smoking:
Damages blood vessels
Reduces circulation
Increases clot formation
In winter, this can lead to:
Frostbite-like symptoms
Tingling or numbness
Delayed wound healing
People with diabetes are at serious risk.
Effect on Immunity During Winter
Winter Weakens Immunity Naturally
Less sunlight means less Vitamin D. Immunity already goes down in winter.
Smoking Further Lowers Immunity
Smoking:
Reduces white blood cells
Increases inflammation
Slows healing process
As a result:
Infections last longer
Medicines work slower
Body takes more time to recover
Smokers often fall sick repeatedly in winter.
Smoking and Throat Problems in Winter
Cold air dries the throat. Smoking worsens this condition.
Common problems include:
Sore throat
Hoarseness
Burning sensation
Voice changes
Long-term smoking can lead to:
Throat cancer
Larynx problems
Winter dryness increases irritation, making damage faster.
Passive Smoking Is More Harmful in Winter
In winter:
Windows stay closed
Rooms are less ventilated
Smoke stays trapped indoors
This exposes:
Children
Elderly
Pregnant women
to harmful smoke.
Passive smoking causes:
Asthma in children
Lung infections
Ear problems
Low immunity
Smoking indoors during winter is extremely harmful.
Mental Health and Smoking in Winter
Some people smoke to fight winter depression or loneliness.
Reality:
Nicotine gives short-term relief but increases:
Anxiety
Irritability
Mood swings
When nicotine levels drop, stress increases again.
This creates a cycle of dependence, not relief.
Smoking and Dehydration in Winter
People already drink less water in winter.
Smoking:
Increases dehydration
Dries skin and lips
Causes constipation
This leads to:
Cracked skin
Fatigue
Poor digestion
Good hydration is essential in winter, and smoking disturbs it.
Smoking and Skin Health in Winter
Winter already dries the skin.
Smoking:
Reduces skin blood flow
Destroys collagen
Increases wrinkle
Results include:
Dull skin
Premature aging
Dark lips
Cold weather makes these effects more visible.
Common Myths About Smoking in Winter
Myth 1: Smoking prevents cold and flu
❌ False. Smoking increases infection risk.
Myth 2: Smoking keeps the body warm
❌ False. It reduces blood circulation.
Myth 3: Smoking helps digestion in winter
❌ False. It worsens acidity and constipation.
Myth 4: Fewer cigarettes in winter are safe
❌ False. Even one cigarette is harmful.
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Quit Smoking
Winter may feel difficult, but it is actually a good time to quit.
Benefits of Quitting in Winter:
Better lung recovery
Improved circulation
Fewer infections
Better sleep
Stronger immunity
Within weeks of quitting:
Breathing improves
Cough reduces
Energy increases
Healthy Alternatives to Stay Warm Without Smoking
- Drink Warm Fluids
Herbal tea
Ginger tea
Turmeric milk
Warm water - Eat Seasonal Foods
Soups
Nuts
Whole grains
Fruits and vegetables - Stay Physically Active
Walking
Light exercise
Yoga
Movement generates natural body heat. - Sunlight Exposure
Morning sunlight improves:
Mood
Vitamin D
Immunity - Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing:
Relaxes mind
Improves lung capacity
Reduces smoking urge
Role of Family and Society
Support from family is crucial.
Families should:
Encourage quitting
Avoid smoking indoors
Promote healthy habits
Awareness programs during winter can save lives.
Tips for Smokers Who Cannot Quit Immediately
If quitting is difficult:
Reduce cigarette count
Avoid smoking indoors
Drink more water
Seek professional help
Every small step matters.
Final Conclusion
Smoking during winter is not safe and not beneficial. The belief that cigarettes keep the body warm is a dangerous myth. In reality, smoking worsens cold effects, damages lungs, weakens immunity, and increases the risk of serious diseases like heart attack and respiratory infections.
Winter already challenges the body. Smoking adds unnecessary stress and harm. Quitting smoking or reducing intake during winter can greatly improve health, energy, and quality of life.
A smoke-free winter is a healthier, warmer, and safer winter.