Locations:
Search IconSearch

Smoking and Asthma: What To Know

Smoking, including secondhand smoke, can worsen your asthma triggers and damage your airways

Person smoking in public, with secondhand smoke causing another person to cough

If you have asthma, you already know that your lungs are extra sensitive and can react to many triggers. When you come in contact with these triggers, they can set off symptoms like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Smoke is one of the worst triggers for an asthma attack. From cigars and cigarettes to pipes and vaping, smoke of any kind — including secondhand smoke — can increase your risk for coughing fits, troubled breathing and more.

Pulmonary medicine specialist Rachel Taliercio, DO, explains why smoking is such a powerful trigger and what you can do to prevent exposure.

What can happen if you smoke with asthma?

Inhaling smoke — even if it’s just a cigarette or two a day — causes irritating substances to settle in the moist lining of your airways. If you smoke and have asthma, you likely experience ongoing asthma symptoms because your lungs are in a constant state of stress. That means you have an increased risk of asthma attacks compared to someone who has asthma and doesn’t smoke.

“Any amount of smoking and vaping puts you and your lungs at risk,” reiterates Dr. Taliercio.

On top of being a strong trigger for recurring asthma attacks, smoke:

  • Increases mucus production, leading to a buildup of irritating substances in your airways
  • Damages your airways
  • Increases your risk of lung cancer and other lung diseases

Secondhand smoke and asthma

Even if you’re not the one who’s smoking, your asthma can still be affected by the presence of secondhand smoke.

Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. Even the residue of leftover smoke on furniture and clothing (thirdhand smoke) can trigger asthma symptoms and cause adults and children to develop respiratory illnesses.

Advertisement

“Children are especially at risk because their lungs are smaller and still developing,” shares Dr. Taliercio. “Kids are more likely to develop asthma symptoms when exposed to secondhand smoke. And children of people who smoked during pregnancy are 10 times more likely to develop asthma.”

Does quitting smoking help asthma?

While quitting smoking won’t cure your asthma completely, it can significantly improve your symptoms.

According to the American Lung Association, quitting smoking will reduce the irritation in your airways, lessen the inflammation in your lungs, and reduce your risk for further damage and lung disease. And, your asthma attacks will be triggered far less often.

“When you quit smoking, your sinuses and lungs start to heal. You’ll experience better breathing and a reduction or elimination of cough,” reports Dr. Taliercio. “Asthma can be a chronic condition and it’s important to continue having visits with your healthcare team to review your overall asthma control and medications.”

How to quit smoking so your asthma improves

Quitting is rarely easy, so ask for help if you need it. A healthcare provider or your primary care provider can set you up with resources and help you get on the right track with nicotine replacement aids like gums or patches.

Once you’ve decided you’re ready to quit smoking, communicate that decision with people you know and trust so they can honor your boundaries. “If your spouse or other family members smoke, help them understand the dangers of smoking and encourage them to quit, too,” recommends Dr. Taliercio.

To improve your asthma and leave smoking behind, you can also:

It’s never too late to make a change for your health. If your constant asthma symptoms are making your life more difficult, quitting smoking can take some weight off your lungs and help you breathe easier.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person with eyes closed, inhaling on an asthma inhaler
November 12, 2024/Lung
Why Is My Asthma Worse at Night?

Nighttime asthma attacks can be due to acid reflux, allergens and hormonal changes, but treatment can help prevent them

male doing yoga breathing exercises seated on a bed
December 18, 2023/Lung
Should You Try an Alternative Asthma Treatment?

The effectiveness and safety of many of these options are unknown, so it’s best to stick to traditional care

asthma triggers floating around a set of lungs and a person
December 11, 2023/Lung
How To Stop an Asthma Cough

Avoid triggers like dust, smoke and cold air to lessen your chances of coughing

woman in her forties, using an inhaler
November 28, 2023/Lung
Why Sex Hormones Can Help (or Hurt) Your Asthma

Developmental changes like puberty and menopause can impact symptom severity

A child and a man both using an inhaler
August 18, 2023/Lung
Can You Outgrow Asthma?

Symptoms may lessen over time, but the condition never truly goes away

physician mom child asthma action plan doctor appointment
April 11, 2022/Lung
What’s an Asthma Action Plan? (And How To Create Your Own)

Being prepared is key when you have asthma

Illustration of person with inhaler surrounded by foods that may cause asthma
February 23, 2022/Allergies
Are There Foods That Can Trigger Asthma?

Some foods might aggravate the condition

woman looking out rainy window
January 25, 2021/Allergies
3 Health Conditions That Stormy Weather Can Make Worse

A rainy day can spell pain and discomfort for many

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad