Why Quitting Smoking – Information for Asthmatic Patients

This article is for sure not the first publication you have read about dangers of smoking for those who suffer from asthma. However, not many people know that stopping smoking may be the most important step for asthmatic patients. Experts say that kicking the habit may result in a drastic reduction or even complete disappearance of acute attacks and chronic symptoms of asthma. In addition, it will protect the lungs and bronchi from further damage.

Smoking is extremely bad for general health, but it is especially damaging for people whose respiratory system has already been compromised, such as patients with asthma. Quitting smoking will likely improve your general health, prolong life expectancy, make you look younger and feel better, and improve your breathing. In addition, by saying ‘no’ to cigarettes you will diminish your risks of contracting lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and emphysema.

For people suffering from asthma, quitting smoking is an essential and even life-saving measure. Nicotine-replacement therapy, low-dose antidepressant drugs, counselling or hypnotherapy can be helpful in achieving your goals for a smoke-free life. In order to select the most effective smoking cessation program that is right for you, a good strategy would be to consult your doctor and follow his or her advice.

Before quitting by gradual reduction or “cold turkey”, write down your reasons for smoking cessation, to read over when you are tempted to reach for a “lung rocket” again. Do not forget that kicking the habit may drastically reduce the symptoms of your disease. Experts say that only one day of cigarette abstinence will normalize carbon monoxide levels in your bloodstream and improve your oxygen status. Three days of not smoking will relax the bronchial tubes resulting in improving asthma symptoms and exercise tolerance. After about six months, you will notice a considerable reduction in coughing, shortness of breath, chest and sinus congestion, and asthma-induced fatigue.

Smoking cessation will also allow cilia, the tiny “hairs” located in the air passages, to re-grow and restore their ability to remove mucus and foreign particles from the lungs and airways. This improved function of cilia will help further diminish your asthma symptoms.

John Burke