Inhaling cigar smoke is harsh on the throat and lungs and can cause coughing, burning, dizziness, and nausea right away. Over time, inhaling cigar smoke raises the risk of serious disease, including cancer, heart disease, and chronic lung problems.

What it does

Cigar smoke contains nicotine and other toxic chemicals, and inhaling it delivers those substances deeper into the lungs and then into the bloodstream. That is why inhaled cigar smoke can feel much stronger than just puffing it into your mouth.

Short-term effects

Common immediate effects include:

  • Coughing or choking.
  • Throat and chest irritation.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Nausea, especially if you are not used to tobacco.

Long-term risks

If inhaling happens repeatedly, the risks increase a lot:

  • Higher risk of lung cancer and other cancers.
  • Higher risk of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
  • Higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
  • Greater overall harm than mouth-only cigar smoking.

When to get help

If someone has severe trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or persistent vomiting after inhaling smoke, seek urgent medical care. If you want, I can also explain why cigar smoke feels different from cigarette smoke or give a plain-English comparison of puffing vs inhaling.