The experience of feeling suddenly ill after smoking a cigar, often called “cigar sickness” or “nicotine sickness,” is a common and intensely unpleasant acute reaction. This negative physical response signals that the body has been overwhelmed by a rapid, high dose of nicotine. Understanding this sickness requires looking at the unique physiological mechanism by which a cigar delivers its potent chemical payload.
The Physiology of Nicotine Absorption
Cigars contain significantly more tobacco and far higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes. A single large cigar can hold between 100 and 400 milligrams of nicotine, equivalent to several packs of cigarettes. The tobacco processing for cigars results in smoke that is alkaline, or high in pH.
This alkaline smoke is the key to the rapid onset of sickness because it changes the chemical structure of the nicotine. A high pH converts the nicotine molecule into its un-ionized, or “freebase,” form. Freebase nicotine is highly lipid-soluble, allowing it to easily pass through the fatty cell membranes lining the mouth.
This process allows nicotine to be readily absorbed directly through the mucous membranes of the mouth, known as buccal absorption, even without inhalation. This direct route delivers a large concentration of nicotine quickly into the bloodstream and central nervous system. The rapid systemic delivery of this potent dose triggers the body’s protective, toxic reaction.
Recognizing Acute Nicotine Sickness
The unpleasant symptoms of cigar sickness represent the body’s reaction to an acute overdose of nicotine, a powerful neurotoxin and stimulant. This sudden flood of nicotine overstimulates the central nervous system, leading to a cascade of physical effects. Primary manifestations include pronounced nausea, cold sweats, and a sudden onset of dizziness or vertigo.
Nicotine also causes a surge in adrenaline, resulting in a rapid or irregular heart rate, known as palpitations, and often accompanied by a severe headache. In severe cases, the body attempts to purge the stimulant through vomiting. Nicotine can also cause a temporary spike followed by a sharp drop in blood glucose levels, mimicking low blood sugar. This drop contributes significantly to feelings of lightheadedness and weakness.
Environmental and Personal Factors That Increase Severity
While the cigar’s nicotine content is the core cause, several external factors can dramatically intensify the sickness. Smoking too quickly is a common mistake, as it rapidly increases nicotine delivery and overwhelms the body’s ability to process the toxin. Smoking a cigar on an empty stomach also allows nicotine to be absorbed much faster into the bloodstream, intensifying the effects.
Dehydration increases symptom severity because nicotine acts as a diuretic. Consuming alcohol alongside a cigar creates a synergistic toxic effect, often masking initial warning signs until the nicotine dose becomes excessive. If smoking indoors, poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide, which compounds the effects of nicotine by contributing to headache and dizziness.
Immediate Relief and Prevention
The most important immediate action is to stop smoking the cigar right away, as continuing only prolongs toxin exposure. Moving to an area with fresh air helps regulate breathing and reduces exposure to lingering smoke or carbon monoxide. Hydration is also important; drinking water helps the body metabolize and flush out the nicotine.
The most effective home remedy is to consume sugar, such as a sugary drink or candy. This rapidly stabilizes the blood sugar levels that nicotine has temporarily lowered, quickly alleviating dizziness and nausea. For future prevention, the key is preparation and pacing. Always eat a meal before smoking, stay adequately hydrated, and actively slow down the pace, aiming for one puff every 30 to 60 seconds. Choosing a smaller or milder cigar is also a simple way to manage total nicotine exposure.