Smoking is one of the most common practices among males and females, known to be the leading death cause worldwide. In the U.S., every year, over 480,000 people die from smoking-related diseases (anon, 2022). The concern arises when people with respiratory issues are addicted to smoking. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 13 people in the United States have asthma, and we know the increasing ratio of smokers can directly affect the diseased people (Frank D. Gilliland, 2006). Asthmatic patients who regularly smoke can clearly see the difference through exacerbated symptoms, ultimately resulting in death.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is an abnormal respiratory condition, also called a chronic respiratory disease, that causes the constriction of airways. This condition leads to inflammation of the lungs. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, dyspnea, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Not just that, but such patients are very sensitive to any external agent, and the attack can be triggered through minor allergens, stress, some exercises, and of course, smoking (anon, 2019).

How is Smoking Linked to Asthma?

Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing asthma or worsening already-existing symptoms. A study by CDC states that people who smoke are more likely to experience asthma attacks than non-smokers. Similarly, another research found that smokers are two times at higher risk of developing asthma than people who do not smoke. So, smoking surely damages an individual’s airways, resulting in inflammation and loss of normal lung function (Angelica Tiotiu, 2021). Now the question arises, what particles in cigarette smoke are harmful?

Cigarette smoke contains several harmful substances, including tar, carbon monoxide, and nicotine. These substances can irritate the airways, causing inflammation and making it difficult for people with asthma to breathe. In addition, cigarette smoke can damage the cilia, which are the hair-like structures that line the airways and help to move mucus out of the lungs. When the cilia are damaged, mucus builds up in the lungs, bringing off a challenge for the patient to breathe (professional, 2021).

So, the answer to the question, can smoking with asthma kills, is pretty evident. Yes, a smoking cigarette can induce severe asthmatic attacks in such patients and is even life-threatening. Several reports have been published, showing a direct relationship between increased morbidity and mortality rate among asthmatic individuals who smoke. If not fatal, it can still affect your life activities and reduce your quality of life (Riccardo Polosa, 2013).

Is Secondhand Smoking Dangerous for Asthma Patients

It’s really good if you do not smoke, but being in a circle where you are a secondhand smoker is even more dangerous! Passive smoking is hazardous as the person standing next to the smoker is directly inhaling all the harmful chemicals (professional, 2021). Secondhand smoke is a direct asthma trigger, so you can now consider the results if the passive smoker is an asthma patient.

Unfortunately, you are at higher risk of inducing severe asthma attacks if you hang out with smokers or live with a family where people regularly smoke. It could be a little tough, but you should speak up and aware your friends and family of its damaging effects and stop them from smoking (anon, 2019).

Possible Effects of Passive Smoking on Asthma Patients

As discussed, breathing in an environment where other people smoke is fatal to asthma patients, especially children. The following are the possible yet dangerous effects:

• It initiates asthma attacks that are more frequent than before (anon, 2020).
• This results in more sensitive airways that can even get triggered by external particles like pollens.
• Increases the medications for the respiratory disease
• Narrows down your lung capacity, thus reducing lung function (anon, 2020).

It is, of course, difficult to control people’s behavior toward smoking, but still, making an effort would never go to waste. You can conduct learning sessions or arrange healthy conversations to inform your friends and family of the damaging effects of smoking.

Do E-cigarettes Affect Asthma Patients?

E-cigarettes are becoming a trend these days as most people are seen consuming a vape or a pod. While people think e-cigarettes are a safe alternative to smoking, it is not very recommended. There are conflicting opinions on the use of e-cigarettes for asthma patients. Some studies suggest that e-cigarettes can be less harmful than traditional cigarettes but are not entirely safe. Asthma patients already have narrow and constricted airways, so anything that could worsen the situation is risky. The chemicals in e-cigarettes can damage the lungs, and the flavored liquids can lead to bronchospasm, a sudden constriction of the airways (Fisher, 2019).

Although vaping doesn’t completely fill your lungs with smoke, it still has nicotine quantity, which acts as a stimulant. Other than being a stimulant, nicotine is a highly addictive substance, mostly found in tobacco products (anon, 2021). Therefore, asthma patients should avoid e-cigarettes and their use to prevent adverse health effects.

Help Yourself Quit Smoking for a Better Lifestyle

It’s critical, especially for asthma patients, to improve the quality of their life. Smoking is itself very detrimental to healthy people, and when it comes to asthma patients, it becomes necessary to quit smoking. Discontinuing smoking could be challenging, but it would only be possible if you aim for it. There are several ways to adopt, such as nicotine replacement therapy, support groups, rehab centers, or counseling (anon, 2019).

Figure 1.4: quit smoking (Writer, 2019)

It is better to quit smoking and improve lung function to avoid stepping into a stage where your asthma becomes lethal. Numerous support groups provide emotional help, nursing you to avoid triggers and cravings. Moreover, (Riccardo Polosa, 2013), including lozenges and nicotine patches, can lessen the cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Similarly, you can consult a good physician to prescribe medicines that reduce the urge to smoke.

Asthma patients should additionally take other steps that help them manage and control asthma attacks. These include protecting yourself from environmental triggers, such as pollution, allergens, or pollens (Angelica Tiotiu, 2021). Besides, always keep your inhaler with you to avoid life-threatening asthma attacks, especially when you cannot avoid being a secondhand smoker.

References

Angelica Tiotiu, I. I.-F. (2021). The Impact of Tobacco Smoking on Adult Asthma Outcomes. Retrieved from ncbi.nlm.nih: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7908240/

anon. (2019). Asthma and smoking. Retrieved from betterhealth.vic.gov.au: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/asthma-and-smoking

anon. (2020). The Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Asthma. Retrieved from aluna.blog: https://aluna.blog/the-effects-of-secondhand-smoke-on-asthma/

anon. (2021). Smoking and Vaping with Asthma: Causes, Triggers and More. Retrieved from gaapp.org: https://gaapp.org/smoking-vaping-asthma/

anon. (2022, July). cdc.gov. Retrieved from Diseases and Death: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fast_facts/diseases-and-death.html#:~:text=Cigarette%20smoking%20is%20responsible%20for,or%201%2C300%20deaths%20every%20day.&text=On%20average%2C%20smokers%20die%2010%20years%20earlier%20than%20nonsm

asthma. (2020). Smoking with Asthma. Retrieved from asthma.com: https://www.asthma.com/understanding-asthma/asthma-triggers/asthma-and-smoking/

Aubrey, A. (2019). Vaping Nicotine Linked To Increased Risk Of Chronic Lung Disease. Retrieved from npr.org: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/12/16/788540191/vaping-nicotine-linked-to-increased-risk-of-chronic-lung-disease

Fisher, J. K. (2019). Vaping and Asthma: Is it Safe? Retrieved from healthline.com: https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/vaping-and-asthma#vaping-and-asthma

Frank D. Gilliland, T. I. (2006). Regular Smoking and Asthma Incidence in Adolescents. Retrieved from ncbi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2648110/

professional, C. C. (2021). Smoking & Asthma. Retrieved from my.clevelandclinic.org: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4584-smoking–asthma

Riccardo Polosa, N. C. (2013). Smoking and asthma: dangerous liaisons. Retrieved from erj.ersjournals: https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/41/3/716#sec-13

Seeds, S. (2020). Cannabis and Asthma: Top 4 Benefits & Do’s and Don’ts for Patients. Retrieved from sensiseeds.com: https://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/cannabis-and-asthma-top-4-benefits-dos-and-donts-for-patients/

Writer, S. (2019). Moffitt Continues the Countdown to Quit Smoking. Retrieved from moffitt.org: https://moffitt.org/endeavor/archive/moffitt-continues-the-countdown-to-quit-smoking/

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