The practice of not drawing cigar smoke into the lungs is a defining characteristic that sets cigar use apart from cigarette smoking. The smoke is typically held only in the mouth before being expelled, a technique known as “puffing.” This method is dictated by the fundamental chemical composition of the cigar, which results in distinct biological interactions compared to other forms of tobacco use.
The Chemical Composition and Alkalinity Barrier
The primary reason cigar smoke is rarely inhaled lies in its highly alkaline chemical nature, which contrasts sharply with the acidity of most cigarette smoke. Cigar tobacco is generally air-cured and fermented, a process that results in a low sugar content within the leaf. When this low-sugar tobacco burns, the resulting smoke has a high pH, often ranging between 6.5 and 7.5, and can become even more alkaline as the cigar is smoked. This alkalinity creates a smoke that is harsh, irritating, and physically unpleasant to draw deeply into the sensitive tissues of the lungs. The high pH causes a distinct burning or stinging sensation in the throat and respiratory tract, which naturally discourages deep inhalation, unlike the milder, acidic smoke produced by flue-cured cigarette tobacco.
Oral Nicotine Absorption: The Key Difference
The alkaline smoke of a cigar enables a completely different mechanism for the body to absorb nicotine. Nicotine exists in two forms: protonated (ionized) and unprotonated (unionized, or freebase), and only the freebase form can readily pass through biological membranes. Since cigar smoke is alkaline, a significant portion of its nicotine is in the freebase form. This unionized nicotine is easily absorbed directly through the moist mucous membranes lining the mouth and nasal cavity, a process known as buccal absorption. This efficient oral uptake means the user receives a substantial nicotine dose without the smoke ever needing to reach the lungs, whereas acidic cigarette smoke converts nicotine into an ionized form that requires inhalation into the lungs for absorption.
What Happens If You Accidentally Inhale
Inhaling cigar smoke results in an immediate and intense physical reaction due to the smoke’s harsh chemistry and high nicotine concentration. The alkaline smoke causes instant, severe irritation and a burning sensation in the trachea and lungs, often triggering a violent coughing fit as the body attempts to expel the caustic material. A single large cigar can contain between 100 and 200 milligrams of nicotine, significantly more than a cigarette. Delivering this massive dose directly to the lungs results in rapid systemic absorption, which can quickly lead to acute nicotine sickness, manifesting as dizziness, light-headedness, and profound nausea.
Health Risks Even Without Lung Exposure
The practice of non-inhalation does not render cigar use a safe activity, as the smoke still exposes the mouth and upper digestive tract to high concentrations of carcinogens. The smoke is held in the oral cavity for extended periods, directly bathing the mucous membranes of the lips, tongue, and throat. This prolonged exposure significantly elevates the risk of cancers specific to these areas. Non-inhaling cigar users face increased risks for cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, and esophagus. Furthermore, continuous contact with smoke and its toxic compounds also causes localized consequences for oral health, including an elevated risk for developing gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.