As serious as a heart attack. It's the worst thing to happen to me in my entire life. MJ was my best friend. I quit last month to see if this diagnosis is accurate.
I have gotten that, but only after smoking way way too much. You just throw up everything then dry heave for like 40 mins. Once everything is gone you feel damn fine though.
Some people react more strongly and just a small amount can trigger it.
Smoking is not good for lungs obviously. I also think it can have some negative anxiety/social issues if used improperly. But I guess anything can be bad used improperly.