It’s no secret smoking is hazardous to your health, but the effects are more severe if you suffer from asthma. West Chester, OH’s Allergy and Asthma Specialty Center/Masood Ahmad, M.D. is the area’s go-to allergist and asthma doctor, providing the necessary care to keep your condition in check. Here, he offers helpful information on exactly how smoking triggers asthma—in both you and your children.

How Tobacco Triggers Attacks

Both first and secondhand smoke trigger attacks. When a cigarette’s harmful substances enter your airways, they irritate your system enough to cause an almost instantaneous attack. This is why proper asthma treatment focuses on getting you to step away from the smokes. 

Tobacco smoke also damages airway cilia, which are used to sweep mucus out of your airways. When mucus builds up and damaged cilia can’t do their job, you won’t be able to breathe as well. You’ve probably noticed you have more frequent attacks than non-smokers, but unfortunately, tobacco smoke makes this entirely normal, and it affects more than just you.

How Tobacco Affects Children

The children of smokers suffer even deeper consequences than the adults with the habit. They’re much more likely to visit the asthma doctor due to an increased risk of developing the condition, and when kids do have asthma, secondhand smoke is particularly harmful to their delicate lungs. 

Children have smaller airways than adults, which makes breathing around smoke difficult. Asthma treatments are necessary to keep them in good health, but if they’re constantly surrounded by secondhand smoke, kids will suffer from irritated, mucus-filled lungs on a regular basis. Children of smokers are also more likely to develop allergies and infections. 

Smoking is a hard-to-beat habit, but if you or your child is suffering from asthma, it’s well worth the hassle. Enjoy easier breathing with effective treatments from Allergy and Asthma Specialty Center/Masood Ahmad, M.D. The expert asthma doctor and allergist will help you quit smoking and manage your asthma. Visit the clinic’s website for more information, or call (513) 777-7097 to schedule your appointment today.