What gastrointestinal effects are linked to nicotine?

Explore pulmonary and smoking cessation medications. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The gastrointestinal effects linked to nicotine can be summarized by the options provided, but the most accurate choice is related to increased gastrointestinal motility and vomiting. Nicotine, being a stimulant, can influence the digestive system in several ways. It is known to increase the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to faster transit times which can result in symptoms such as nausea and vomiting in some individuals.

This enhanced motility is likely due to nicotine’s action on the autonomic nervous system, particularly its stimulation of the parasympathetic pathway, which can lead to increased secretion of gastrointestinal juices and thus stimulate digestive activity. While increased GI motility can sometimes contribute to discomfort or diarrhea, vomiting is a direct and notable effect that many users experience, particularly when nicotine is consumed in high doses or as part of a smoking ritual.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the prominent effects related to nicotine. For example, decreased appetite and weight loss may occur over time due to the appetite-suppressing effects of nicotine, but this is a more indirect result compared to the immediate effects on motility and vomiting. Improved digestion and nutrient absorption are generally not associated with nicotine; instead, nicotine can sometimes lead to digestive distress. Constipation could occur in some cases, but

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