Asthma Day - 4 May, 2010

Choking from Smoking? – Cigarette smoke and asthma

Smoking is regarded as the primary cause of a whole range of diseases. Add to that list, the possibility of smoking becoming the reason for triggering an asthma attack. However, cigarette smoke is not the direct cause of the development of asthma in a person. Rather, it affects the breathing of those who already suffer from asthma. For asthmatic patients, any exposure to cigarette smoke, whether as an active smoker or as a passive one, can lead to the manifestation of asthma symptoms.

Any kind of smoke is generally harmful to those suffering from asthma; whether it is exhaust fumes, cooking fumes, or that produced by a cigarette. Though, what is unique in the case of cigarette smoke is that here it is complicated by the issue of addiction to smoking.

For someone who doesn’t suffer from asthma, smoking wouldn’t initiate any adverse reactions. This is for the simple reason that asthma patients have sensitive airways as compared to other people. Things that do not affect others can cause irritation and inflammation in the airways’ of asthma patients. And cigarette smoke is only one of the many possible reasons behind asthma attacks.

However, if you do happen to suffer from asthma, you could look at things positively and seize this as the perfect opportunity to kick the menacing habit. Or, if you have someone in your close family circle who is asthmatic, then you could view it as a chance to help out a loved one. Reversing the way you think so as to find something positive out of all the negativity can reap you the benefits of good health and a long life.