Smoking with Asthma
If you have asthma, it’s time to quit smoking. Long-term exposure to smoke can severely impact your lung function and is one of the primary triggers for asthma attacks.
Quitting Smoking Is Not Easy
Whether it’s a personal habit, or exposure to secondhand smoke, as an asthma sufferer, it’s important to learn how to manage your smoke triggers effectively.
Did you know?
Smokers with asthma are more likely to require a visit to the emergency department than non-smokers.
Cigarette Smoke
Smoking irritates the lungs and destroys their natural ability to filter out germs and other irritants. Coupled with asthma sufferers' already-impaired lung function, it’s the reason why tobacco smoke is such a significant trigger for sufferers, and why it should be avoided—not to mention the other serious health risks associated with smoking.
Secondhand Smoke
There are over 7,000 chemicals in secondhand smoke, including roughly 70 that can lead to cancer. In addition to overall toxicity, secondhand smoke is one of the most common triggers for asthma sufferers because it directly irritates your airways and can provoke an asthma attack.
Symptoms Check
Is smoke a trigger for your asthma symptoms?
Do you experience increased wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness when exposed to smoke?
Vaping & eCigarettes
With vaping becoming more prevalent, doctors are learning more about its effects on asthma and lung health. For asthma sufferers—or anyone—the smartest move is to stay away from tobacco-based products in any form.
Tips for Managing Smoking & Vaping Triggers
Quit smoking or vaping
Ask people not to smoke or vape around you
Avoid bonfires & woodburning stoves
