You should not inhale a cigar’s smoke. The primary purpose of smoking a cigar is the appreciation of its complex flavors and aromas, not the rapid delivery of nicotine to the lungs. The mechanics and chemical composition of cigar smoke make it uniquely unsuited for inhalation. This practice can lead to an intensely harsh and unpleasant experience.
The Practice: Why Cigar Smoke Is Not Inhaled
The main reason cigar smoke is not inhaled is its high alkalinity and density, which makes it extremely irritating to the delicate tissues of the trachea and lungs. Large cigar smoke is highly alkaline, with a pH that can reach 8.5, compared to acidic cigarette smoke. This higher pH translates to a much harsher, thicker smoke that easily causes severe coughing and respiratory distress if drawn into the lungs.
The proper technique for smoking a cigar focuses on “puffing and savoring.” This involves drawing the smoke into the mouth, allowing it to coat the palate to register the flavors, and then expelling it without swallowing or inhaling.
Even without inhalation, the body still absorbs nicotine effectively through the mucous membranes lining the mouth. The alkaline nature of the smoke allows the nicotine to exist in its free-base form, which is readily absorbed across the oral mucosa and into the bloodstream.
The cigar experience is centered on this oral absorption and flavor exploration, which is why a single session can last from 30 minutes to over an hour. While a large cigar contains significant nicotine, this oral absorption still delivers enough nicotine to be psychoactive and potentially lead to dependency.
Understanding the Health Risks of Cigar Smoke
Even when the smoke is not inhaled, cigar smoking carries significant health risks, primarily affecting the upper digestive and respiratory tracts. The prolonged contact of the smoke with the mouth, tongue, and throat exposes these tissues directly to toxic and cancer-causing chemicals. Regular cigar users face an elevated risk for cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus.
The carcinogens in the smoke, such as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are deposited directly onto the mucous membranes. When saliva containing these toxic chemicals is swallowed, it exposes the esophagus to the same cancer-causing agents. Cigar smoking also affects dental health, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Nicotine absorption through the oral tissues contributes to cardiovascular risks. Daily cigar smokers have an increased risk of heart disease and chronic lung diseases, even without inhalation. While the risk of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is lower for non-inhaling cigar smokers compared to cigarette smokers, the risk is still significantly higher than for non-smokers.
Key Differences Between Cigars and Cigarettes
The fundamental distinctions between cigars and cigarettes lie in their construction, tobacco processing, and resulting smoke chemistry. Cigars are typically made from whole tobacco leaves that have undergone fermentation and air-curing, while cigarettes use processed tobacco blends wrapped in paper. This fermentation process results in higher concentrations of certain nitrogen compounds, which contribute to increased levels of carcinogens in the smoke.
The most impactful difference is the relative alkalinity of the smoke. Cigar smoke is naturally alkaline, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the mouth’s lining without inhalation. In contrast, the smoke from most cigarettes is more acidic, requiring deep inhalation into the lungs for efficient nicotine absorption. The absence of a filter on most cigars also means the smoke is often more concentrated and harsher.