Many people believe that smoking mainly harms the lungs. However, doctors say its damage goes far beyond breathing problems. A US-based gastroenterologist has warned that smoking can seriously affect the stomach and digestive system, often without people realising it.
Dr Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist from Florida, recently shared insights on social media about everyday habits that slowly harm gut health. According to him, some common actions irritate the stomach lining, delay healing, and increase the risk of gastritis and ulcers over time.
One of the biggest hidden dangers is smoking and vaping. When smoke enters the body, it does not only reach the lungs. It also passes through the oesophagus and into the stomach. The chemicals in smoke can irritate the stomach lining. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the stomach, which makes it harder for damaged tissue to heal properly.
Over time, this constant irritation can lead to serious problems such as gastritis and bleeding ulcers. Smoking also increases the risk of cancers of the oesophagus and stomach. These effects develop slowly, which is why many people do not connect their stomach issues with smoking.
Another common habit that harms the stomach is overusing pain relief medicines. Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen are widely used for headaches, body pain, and fever. While they work well in the short term, frequent use can damage the stomach lining. This increases the risk of ulcers and internal bleeding. Doctors advise using these medicines only when necessary and at the lowest effective dose.
Drinking alcohol too often is another major cause of stomach damage. Alcohol directly irritates the stomach lining and can cause inflammation, known as alcohol-related gastritis. This condition may lead to stomach pain, nausea, and ulcers. Because alcohol-related damage builds slowly, symptoms are often ignored until they become severe.
Dr Salhab explains that these habits may seem harmless when done occasionally. However, repeated exposure over time can quietly weaken digestive health. Paying attention to smoking, medicine use, and alcohol intake can help protect the stomach and prevent long-term problems.
