May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, a great time to discuss one of the most preventable triggers, tobacco smoke and vape aerosol. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, and these substances can irritate the lining of airways, causing them to swell and narrow making it more difficult to get dust and mucus out of airways, allowing irritants to settle in the lungs and trigger asthma attacks.
Smoking’s Impact on Children with Asthma
Children with asthma are particularly susceptible to these impacts from secondhand and thirdhand smoke. Inhaling others’ smoke allows these irritants into a child’s airway and can make their asthma more difficult to control. Thirdhand smoke, or the hidden toxic residue left behind from smoking, can linger on furniture, clothing, hair, walls, and other surfaces. This can still be inhaled or absorbed in skin, especially by children who play on carpets or touch contaminated surfaces. Children with poorly controlled asthma can have their lung development impacted, miss school days, and visit the emergency room more frequently. Infants and children exposed to secondhand smoke in their home have dramatically higher levels of respiratory tract infections and slower lung development.
E-cigarettes or vapes are not a safe alternative to smoking. Many people mistakenly think vapes are safter than cigarettes, but they are still harmful and are an asthma trigger. Vaping liquids contain chemicals that still can increase airway inflammation and worsen lung function for those using the product and those taking in secondhand aerosols.
Thinking of Quitting?
Quitting creates a healthier home and environment, protecting children from serious respiratory issues and allowing them to breathe easier. Hoosiers can access a network of free, confidential cessation services through Quit Now Indiana, which provides evidence-based programs that increase the chances of successfully quitting. If someone still chooses to smoke or vape, ensure it is not done near children, keep it outside and not in cars, and change clothing and wash hands after smoking before holding or interacting with a child.
Quit Now Indiana has telephone-based coaching at 1-800-784-8669 to speak with a trained quit coach who can create a personalized strategy for overcoming nicotine addiction. Text-based support is also available, just text READY to 34191. For those that qualify, they can provide nicotine replacement therapy such as free patches, gum, or lozenges to manage cravings. Access tools, tips, and educational resources via their website QuitNowIndiana.com.
As we recognize Asthma Awareness Month, let’s commit to creating smoke-free spaces.
Please reach out to Nicotine Free Communities for additional information nicotinefreecommunities@hhcorp.org.
Additional Resources
IKE Coalition has developed a Caregiver’s Guide to help you minimize asthma triggers in the home. Download the Caregiver’s Guide here.
For more resources on Asthma triggers, management, and prevention, visit IKE Coalition’s website.
This post was written by our colleagues at the Marion County Public Health Department.
Categories: Asthma