Allergy & Asthma Center of SW Washington

Tobacco

Tobacco smoke exposure is a major cause of asthma symptoms in children and adults. Both first- and second-hand smoke triggers asthma symptoms, raises the risk of severe attacks by making you more susceptible to other triggers, increases your need for medications, makes you more likely to be visited by coughs, colds and other lower respiratory problems, and can hinder lung growth and function. In addition, maternal smoke exposure is a risk factor for the development of allergy and asthma in infancy and early childhood.

Tobacco Trigger Control

• If you smoke, STOP. It's not easy to do, but the benefits are high. If you need help, check into a local smoking cessation program available through the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.
• If someone in your home smokes, give them the love and support they need to quit.
• Avoid second-hand smoke every chance you get.
• Ask your guests not to smoke in your home or car.
• If your child has asthma, make sure school, day care and baby-sitting environments are smoke-free.
• Ask to sit in the non-smoking section when dining out.
• When renting a car, request a non-smoking automobile.
• When reserving a hotel room, request a non-smoking room.
• If you work with smokers and there are no rules in place, negotiate a smoke-free work environment or a designated smoking area.