Cigarette Smoking
Avoidance of passive and active smoking is the most important measure for both adults and children. At least 75% of people with asthma become wheezy in a smoky room. It has been shown that children with asthma whose parents smoke have more asthma episodes than children whose parents don't smoke.
- If you smoke or are exposed to passive smoke you increase the risk of asthma attack and may permanently damage your airways.
- If you smoke as a teenager you increase the risk of your asthma persisting
- You put your children at risk of asthma if you smoke around them or during pregnancy
- You also increase the risk of developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a term used to describe any one of a combination of chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic asthma.
Click here to go to the Smokers Quitline for help and advice.
