Do you smoke if you have asthma? Let's talk about this dangerous habit!

Do you have asthma? So you probably know very well how sensitive your lungs are. Even a little dust, a strong smell, or even a little exertion can make your chest feel tight, make you wheeze, and make you cough constantly. Things that make asthma worse are called " triggers ." Among these triggers, smoking is the most dangerous, severe, and absolutely must-avoid trigger for an asthma sufferer. It can be cigarette smoke, cigars, pipes, or even the smoke from vapes that many people use these days. Let's talk about this in more depth today.

What really happens if someone with asthma smokes?

Simply put, smoking for someone with asthma is like pouring gasoline on a fire. Let's see why.

Think of the airways in your lungs as being like the branches of a tree. Inside these airways is a very delicate, moist membrane. In someone with asthma, these airways and membranes are naturally very sensitive. This means that even the slightest thing can quickly cause them to swell, become red, and start producing more mucus.

When you inhale cigarette smoke, thousands of toxic chemicals in the smoke go straight into your sensitive airways. Here's what happens:

• The airways swell further: The toxic chemicals cause the membranes inside the airways to swell further, narrowing the airways even further. This makes it difficult to breathe and makes the chest feel constricted.
• Excessive mucus production: Smoke is a foreign and dangerous substance to the lungs. So the body tries to flush out these toxins. In response, excessive mucus is produced in the airways. This mucus accumulates and further blocks the airways. And because of this mucus, you start coughing continuously.
• Permanent damage to the lungs: Not just for a day or two, but when you continue to smoke, the fine hairs (cilia) in your airways are destroyed. These hairs are used to remove things like dirt, dust, and mucus that enter the lungs. When these are destroyed, toxins and mucus start to accumulate inside the lungs.
• Asthma attacks occur more frequently: A smoker's lungs are constantly inflamed and stressed. This means that the lungs are always on "war alert." This means that even a small trigger, such as a speck of dust, can quickly trigger a severe asthma attack.

Let's look at this note to explain this a little more.

Even if I don't smoke, will the smoke from other people affect me? (Secondhand Smoke)

This is also a very important question. The answer is, "Yes, it definitely does. It's just as dangerous as smoking."

When you breathe in the smoke that someone else has exhaled, we call it secondhand smoke . This smoke contains more than 7,000 toxic chemicals that are in a cigarette. This means that even if you don't smoke, if you are around someone who is smoking, those toxins can enter your lungs. This is very dangerous for someone with asthma. This can also cause an asthma attack.

Be aware of third-hand smoke.

This is an even more hidden enemy. Thirdhand smoke is when the toxic chemicals in that smoke are left on furniture, clothes, sofas, walls, and carpets in a place where you have smoked. When you go to that place, touch those things, or sit on that sofa, those toxic particles can enter your body through your skin and through your breath.

Think about it this way. Someone in your house goes to the balcony, smokes a cigarette, and then comes back inside. The smoke has particles of poison on their clothes, hair, and hands. If they come and pick up a small baby, the poison will go into the baby's body. Since babies' lungs are still developing and their breathing rate is high, this can have a very serious effect on them.

Will my asthma be completely cured if I stop smoking?

This is a question that many people ask. The straight answer is that quitting smoking will not completely cure your asthma. Because asthma is often a lifelong condition.

But...

The relief you get from quitting smoking is incredible. It's like removing a thorn from your body that has been bothering you for a long time. When you quit smoking:

• The constant inflammation and swelling in your airways will decrease.
• Breathing becomes much easier.
• Frequent coughing and phlegm are decreasing.
• The frequency and severity of asthma attacks are significantly reduced.
• The medications you use to control your asthma (e.g. inhalers) will start to work better.
• The long-term damage to the lungs stops, and the lungs gradually begin to heal.

Simply put, you will have a life where you can breathe more freely and easily.

So how do you get rid of this habit?

We all know that quitting smoking is not easy. It is a big challenge, both physically and mentally. But it is not impossible. Here are some steps that can help you.

1. Talk to your doctor first.

This is the most important and first step. Don't be shy or afraid. Just say, "Doctor, help me quit smoking." Your doctor will provide you with the medical support you need to get through this journey. They may recommend nicotine patches or gum to help reduce your body's need for nicotine. They will also evaluate your asthma and prescribe the right treatment.

2. Get help from your family and friends

Tell your family and friends you trust about your decision. Tell them, "I want to quit smoking, and I need your help." Talk to them when you feel like smoking. They will be a great source of mental support. Also, if anyone else in your family smokes, explain the information in this article to them and help them quit the habit too.

3. Practical things to do

• Get rid of everything related to smoking: Get rid of everything you have, like cigarette packs, lighters, and ashtrays, today.
• Avoid triggers: When do you feel like smoking the most? When you're drinking tea? When you're with friends? Think about those times and think of something you can do instead of smoking during those times. For example, you can chew gum or drink a glass of water.
• Take care of your mental health: Many people smoke to reduce stress. But it only makes the problem worse. Find other healthy ways to manage stress. Things like meditation and deep breathing exercises can help a lot.
• Be active: Get some exercise. Go for a 20-minute walk every day. When you exercise, your body produces happy hormones (endorphins). This can reduce your cravings for smoking.
• Ask for help: If you find it difficult to do this on your own, there are organizations or counseling services that can help. Never hesitate to seek support from such a place.

This journey may be difficult. You may not succeed the first time. But never give up. With each cigarette you don't smoke, you are winning your life. Your lungs will thank you.