Why Asthma and Smoking Is a Dangerous Combination and How You Can Try And Quit Smoking

It is common knowledge that smoking can trigger numerous health-related problems for nearly everyone. However, if you are suffering from asthma, it can multiply your health issues.

If You Suffer From Asthma, Smoking Can Be Life-Threatening

Asthma is a chronic lung disease and is known to make the lungs more sensitive in patients affected by the condition. However, despite knowing that asthma can be a potentially dangerous condition and smoking can aggravate it, a large percentage of people, especially the teenagers and the youth in the US continue their smoking habit.

Cigarette smoke is exponentially harmful, not only for the active smoker but for the passive ones as well. They are forced to inhale secondary smoke which is considered even more dangerous. If you want to know how smoking can worsen your asthma and what precautions you must take to manage your asthma better, consult one of the leading doctors in Arlington VA, specializing in asthma and other respiratory tract diseases.

How Tobacco Smoke Affects the Lungs

Your doctor will tell you how tobacco smoke can irritate the lungs, cause redness, swelling and trigger more mucus production. It can destroy the lung tissue and breaks down the built-in defense mechanisms.

Smoking is bad for asthma patients as it can cause an increase in the frequency of attacks. Over a period of time, it can bring about major changes to the lungs.

Asthma patients with smoking habits are at a greater risk of suffering more severe lung-related diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer.

Why Smoke and Asthma Is a Deadly Combination

Smoke and asthma do not go together. Smoke is known to aggravate the symptoms of asthma because:

• The particles from tobacco smoke can cause swelling of the airways and make it narrow
• In the lungs, smoke can activate the production of mucus
• The minute but useful hairs called cilia that plays a key role in the removal of mucus can get damaged by tobacco smoke

If you are a smoker, it is important for you to understand that the risk of worsening your asthma can be significantly reduced by avoiding quitting smoking. Apart from that, also ensure:

• Your home is free from smoke
• Guests do not smoke inside the home
• As far as possible, avoid outdoor areas such as pubs, bars, and cafes where you are most likely to indulge in your habit or likely to inhale secondary smoke.

You may consider using nicotine replacement therapy or other medications that make quitting smoking easy. You can talk to some of the best doctors in Arlington, VA for advice on how to quit smoking and manage your asthma better.

If you are a smoker and facing breathing problems, it is highly recommended that you get tested for asthma at the nearest testing center. Many urgent care clinics offer asthma and allergy testing facilities and also provide treatment for various breathing problems.