What makes me sick is........

No, really.

I've been wondering for a while what actually makes one sick when smoking a cigar. As far as I can recall, I've only become nauseous once and certainly never threw up, although I mostly smoke after I've at least eaten something. I know some on here have certainly had their fair share of 'cigar-sickness' so I look to you for some words of wisdom.

1) What actually makes you sick? We put the cigar to our lips, take a puff & exhale, either all through the mouth or partially through the mouth and nose and don't inhale. The smoke can't be in our bodies for more than 10 seconds and that's even a stretch, I think. Of course, we repeat the process for a good hour, hour and a half so 'something' must build up.

I'm looking for some scientific explanation....like what do you absorb or breathe in in that short time that would make your body react physically? And why....how?

2) Are there particular cigars that are more likely to make us sick? Why?

3) Why would eating something really make a difference? Again, I'm looking for the scientific/biological perspective... and I imagine it's much like with drinking...something in your stomach slows the absorption process....(I may have just answered my own question.)

4) Since we're on the topic, what is it that physiologically gives you that buzz, if it does? What takes place to give you that buzz from this short intake of smoke?

5) Do you grow a tolerance for this buzz much like with alcohol based on the amount you smoke so that after awhile you don't necessarily get that buzz you did earlier in your hobby?