Feeling sick after smoking a cigar? It could be due to a “cigar buzz” caused by nicotine, resulting in cigar sickness or nicotine sickness.
Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
The good news is that there are ways to quickly alleviate the symptoms and feel better.
One effective method is to consume some form of sugar, such as a sugary drink or candy, and drink plenty of water.
This can help flush the nicotine from your system and stabilize your blood sugar levels, relieving cigar sickness.
In this article, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for curing cigar sickness and preventing it from happening in the first place.
Eat Sugar to Cure Cigar Sickness
Consuming some form of sugar, such as a tablespoon of granulated sugar, or a sugary drink, such as a soda, sports drink, or fruit juice.
You can also suck on a piece of hard candy or eat a small amount of chocolate to increase your blood sugar levels.
The sugar helps to counteract the effects of nicotine, which can cause a drop in blood sugar levels and lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headache.
Drink Plenty of Water
When you smoke a cigar, the nicotine can cause dehydration, exacerbating the symptoms of cigar sickness.
Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after smoking can help keep your body hydrated.
Experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. And even more if engaging in activities that cause sweating or dehydration, such as smoking a cigar.
Get Some Fresh Air
Taking a break from smoking and stepping outside for fresh air can help clear your lungs and reduce the severity of these symptoms.
Step outside, take deep breaths, and focus on breathing slowly and steadily.
This can help increase oxygen levels in your body and reduce nausea and dizziness.
Take a short walk or engage in light physical activity, which can help to increase blood flow and reduce the effects of nicotine on your body.
If you smoke indoors, consider opening a window or turning on a fan to improve ventilation and reduce the amount of smoke in the room.
You can also try smoking outdoors, where there is more space and fresh air to help cure this mild form of nicotine poisoning.
Ways to Prevent Cigar Sickness
Whether an experienced cigar smoker or a beginner, too much nicotine can make you light-headed.
Here are some valuable tips that can help with cigar sickness.
Don’t Inhale Your Cigars
One of the main causes of cigar sickness is inhaling the smoke. This fundamental advice is considered essential by most cigar aficionados.
Unlike cigarettes, cigars are made from premium, long-filler tobacco with no additives or chemicals.
This means they contain more nicotine than cigarettes. Therefore inhaling them can lead to coughing and a sudden influx of nicotine into your bloodstream.
To avoid inhaling, take slow, gentle puffs and draw the smoke into your palate, allowing it to linger for a few seconds before pushing it out.
Be careful not to suck the smoke into your diaphragm or lungs, as this can cause irritation and aggravate the symptoms of cigar sickness.
If you’re new to smoking cigars, it’s important to take things slow and learn the proper technique for smoking without inhaling.
Rather, take your time and enjoy the flavors and aromas of your cigar, savoring each puff without rushing.
With practice, you can learn to smoke your cigars like a pro and avoid the unpleasant side effects of cigar sickness.
Don’t Smoke Too Fast
Smoking too quickly can lead to overheating the cigar, which can cause a harsh taste and uneven burn.
It can also increase the amount of nicotine and tar you inhale, resulting in unpleasant side effects like cigar sickness.
Choose Milder Cigars
Choosing milder cigars as opposed to smoking full-bodied cigars is a smart move.
Mild cigars tend to have a smoother taste and a lower nicotine concentration, making them easier on the palate and less likely to cause unpleasant side effects.
Some mild cigar brands and series examples include Ashton Classic, Macanudo Cafe, and Arturo Fuente Hemingway.
These are known for their mild flavor profile and are popular for beginners and experienced cigar smokers.
Cigar Size According to Your Time
The size of the cigar really does matter. So, choosing a cigar size that matches the time you have available to smoke is essential.
For example, suppose you’re pressed for time. In that case, a smaller cigar like a Corona or Robusto might be better than a larger Double Corona.
By picking the right size for your schedule, you can help prevent cigar sickness and maximize your smoking experience.
Remember, smoking a cigar is meant to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, so take your time and savor the flavors.
By smoking like a pro and choosing the right size cigar, you can avoid any adverse side effects and fully appreciate the pleasure of smoking a fine cigar.
Eat Before You Smoke
Imagine trying to build a house without foundation – it’s bound to collapse sooner or later.
The same goes for smoking cigars on an empty stomach.
It’s like enjoying a luxury car ride without fuel in the tank.
You’ll quickly start to feel nauseous and dizzy, which can really put a damper on your cigar experience.
So, before you light up that stogie, fuel up with a good meal to give your body the foundation it needs to enjoy the ride.
And if you plan on pairing your cigar with an alcoholic beverage, remember to eat something beforehand to avoid any unwanted side effects.
Practice Moderation
To avoid cigar sickness, we suggest not chain-smoking your stogies. Instead, give some time before you light up your next one.
Moderation is key to many things in life. So, it is a good practice for this pastime as well.
Remember, we are here to enjoy ourselves and relax, not to worsen our health and make us feel sick.
Avoid Machine-Made or Bad Cigars
Machine-made cigars may contain traces of pesticides and other chemicals that can make you feel ill. As they haven’t been aged long enough.
That’s why we recommend opting for handmade cigars instead, which have a lower risk of containing these harmful substances.
Look out for bad cigars. Inspect the outer leaf for any cracks, do the “pinch test,” and, of course, buy from reputable sources.
Also, to ensure that your cigars are in optimal condition, store them in a humidor.
Some popular brands include Davidoff, Boveda, Xikar, and Adorini.
By choosing your cigars wisely, you can avoid feeling sick and genuinely enjoy the flavors and aromas they offer.
Don’t Hold Your Cigar in Your Mouth
When you hold a cigar in your mouth, you’re more likely to draw the smoke into your nose.
This can cause the nicotine to enter your bloodstream faster.
As a result, it can lead to a feeling of sickness, especially if you’re smoking a robust cigar.
How to Cure Cigar Sickness FAQs
How long does nicotine sickness last from a cigar?
The duration of cigar sickness can vary depending on the amount taken and how quickly the body metabolizes the nicotine.
Symptoms may generally last anywhere from a few minutes to two hours.
What does cigar sickness feel like?
Cigar sickness can feel like dizziness, nausea, sweating, and sometimes vomiting.
It can also cause a rapid heartbeat and a drop in blood pressure, leading to feelings of weakness or faintness.
Can I develop a tolerance for cigar sickness?
Yes, developing a tolerance to cigar sickness over time is possible.
However, this does not mean you should smoke more frequently or increase the nicotine you consume.
Instead, it is vital to continue smoking in moderation and to pay attention to your body’s signals to avoid nicotine overdose.
