India: On May 31, 2025, World No Tobacco Day, health experts highlighted the dangers of smoking while drinking morning tea on an empty stomach, a habit common across many regions, including the capital.
Doctors from Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, warned that this toxic combination harms the lungs and the digestive system. Dr. Sarat Kumar Behera, a senior pulmonologist, explained that smoking the first cigarette in the morning damages lung function by impairing oxygen exchange and destroying cilia that clear mucus.
This increases the risk of chronic bronchitis and worsens acid reflux, especially when combined with hot tea. The smoke and hot tea irritate the respiratory mucosa, causing inflammation and reducing the body’s defenses.
Nicotine rapidly enters the bloodstream without food, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and stomach acid levels before breakfast.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Gyan Ranjan Rout added that nicotine stimulates excess gastric acid secretion, aggravating gastritis and ulcers. Smoking weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux and GERD, while nicotine and caffeine together disturb gut motility and suppress appetite, causing bloating, cramps, and fatigue.
This harmful practice not only threatens lung and gut health but also overall well-being, underscoring the importance of quitting tobacco for a healthier life.
The insights were shared with HT Lifestyle, emphasizing the urgent need to break this dangerous morning ritual.
