World Asthma Day 2024: Smoking can trigger asthma symptoms, causing more frequent attacks

Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, often rears its head when triggered by various environmental factors, including tobacco smoke. When you take a deep breath in fresh air, the cool air fills  your lungs with a sense of calm. Alternatively, every breath can be a struggle, especially when smoke clouds the air.

Multiple studies have shown the hazardous effects of tobacco on respiratory health; exacerbating asthma symptoms and increasing the likelihood of severe attacks. Research shows that both active and passive smoking pose significant risks for asthma sufferers. A study published in PubMed, suggests a strong relationship between smoking and asthma. It says that smokers not only have a higher prevalence and incidence of asthma but also face challenges in diagnosis and treatment. The smoke-filled air is not just a hazard for active smokers; even passive exposure to tobacco in utero and early life can contribute to asthma development, further highlighting the dangers of smoking for both smokers and those around them.

Cigarette smoke, as per the American Lung Association, induces irritation within the lungs, manifesting in redness, swelling, and heightened mucus production. Contrarily, the lungs shield a built-in defense mechanism to fend off impurities and pathogens. However, cigarette smoke dismantles lung tissue and compromises these protective barriers.

Smoking tends to increase asthma symptoms, leading to more frequent attacks and a lower quality of life for sufferers. For those who smoke and have asthma, the road to proper diagnosis and treatment becomes even more arduous, as distinguishing between asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) becomes increasingly challenging.