WHAT DOES SMOKING DO TO ASTHMA PATIENTS?

There are numerous harmful effects of tobacco smoke on smokers with asthma and people with asthma who are subjected to second-hand smoke. Smoke is a major trigger for many asthma patients. People who smoke have more sensitive airways and a higher risk of triggering asthma. Smoking leads to increasing asthma symptoms, more frequent and severe attacks, poorer asthma control and medication effectiveness, and lower activity levels. The same is true for asthma patients who inhale second-hand smoke. Tobacco smoke damages the lungs’ cilia—the tiny hairs responsible for sweeping the lungs clean. Loss of cilia causes mucus and toxic substances to collect in the lungs, increasing risk of infection. It also damages the airways and air sacs inside the lungs.

P.S. Smoking during pregnancy harms the development of the baby’s lungs and puts them at higher risk for asthma after birth.

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