Asthmatic Smoke 

As per the Global Asthma Report 2018, 6% children and 2% adults in  our country suffer from asthma and as per WHO, 12% of the world’s smokers are from our country.

 

Cigarette smoke has multiple harmful effects on the human body, especially the respiratory system. Inhaled tobacco smoke increases the thickness of the epithelium (outer lining) of the airways in the lungs and the irritating substances in the smoke settles in the moist lining of the airways. Such inflamed and irritated airways trigger an asthma attack.

 

Lungs secrete more mucus in the presence of cigarette smoke. This mucus and other irritating substances inside the airways are normally removed by ‘cilia’, which are tiny hair-like projections in the airways. Tobacco smoke damages the cilia which leads to accumulation of mucus in the airways.

Following are the symptoms of Asthma:

    • Wheezing when breathing out
    • Persistent irritable cough
    • Difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath
    • Tightness and heaviness in the chest

Asthma patients should avoid smoking due to many reasons. Here are a few:

    • Asthma can lead to more coughing during the night, disturbing their sleep
    • Their symptoms may be worsened
    • Patient may have to increase the frequency of medication
    • May impact the effect of the medication
    • Increases the chances of chest infection because of accumulated mucus
    • Asthma attack may be severe, demanding immediate hospitalization
    • Feel uneasy while exercising or performing any other physical activity

Children with asthma are more vulnerable to get an asthma attack if adults around them smoke. Following precautions are necessary if there is an asthmatic kid in the family:

    • Give up smoking or reduce frequency
    • Ask friends and family members not to smoke around the child
    • Smoke outside rather than at home
    • Do not smoke in the car
    • Since smoke settles on clothes, hence, keep them away from the kid

Asthmatic smokers should talk to their doctors about ways to quit smoking. Those who quit the habit of smoking can, over a period, reverse their lung and airways damage to get relief from breathing difficulties. Asthmatic smokers should also discuss inhalation therapy with their doctors as it helps in preventing and relieving symptoms and reducing flare-ups.