Asthma and tobacco: why even secondhand smoke puts you at risk

By Namita S Kalla | May 06, 2025

Asthma and tobacco: why even secondhand smoke puts you at risk

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Tobacco smoke inflames the airways, making them swell and narrow. This leads to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing

Airway irritation

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Even a short exposure to tobacco smoke can trigger a full-blown asthma attack, causing chest tightness and shortness of breath

Attack trigger

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Smoke damages the tiny air sacs in the lungs over time, making it harder to breathe deeply and reducing overall lung capacity

Reduced function

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Asthma is much harder to manage for people exposed to smoke. Medication may be less effective due to constant airway irritation

Poor control

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Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at higher risk of developing asthma early and suffering more frequent, severe asthma attacks

Child danger

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Secondhand smoke lingers in homes, cars, and clothes. Even if you don’t smoke, you can inhale harmful particles that irritate lungs

Silent danger

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People exposed to tobacco smoke often report worse asthma symptoms at night, disturbing sleep and reducing their ability to rest, recover

Sleep disturbance

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Tobacco smoke can make your body more sensitive to allergens like dust and pollen, leading to worse asthma flare-ups than usual

Increases allergy

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Asthma sufferers around tobacco smoke are more likely to end up in the emergency room due to severe breathing problems

Breathing problems

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