Can Third Hand Smoke Cause Asthma

Choose Vaporizing Over Smoking

Cannabis has the potential to alleviate symptomsexperienced by asthma patients regardless of the method of consumption.However, this does not mean all of these methods are equal in efficiency. Italso does not mean that using any of the least asthma-friendly ones is entirelyharmless. Key elements to consider are:

• Optimal safety
• Potential for instant relief
• Controllable dosage andefficiency

Smoking cannabis is not recommended, as depending on the severity of your condition, it may escalate an existing asthma-related crisis, or even trigger one. Edibles, on the other hand, because of certain variables such as the time they may take to release their effects, can be used as a long-term treatment, but would not be reliable enough in the case of an attack. This is why for emergency treatments, vaporizing is definitely the best option for cannabis and asthma. Not only is the release of cannabinoids in the body;close to optimal, the risks for the lungs are at an absolute minimum.

Of course, smoking cannabis is not harmful to theaverage, healthy human body. But, as an asthma sufferer, you need to watch outfor anything that can irritate or negatively impact your respiratory system.

Who Is At Greater Risk Of Damage From Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke affects anyone near burned or exhaled tobacco, but some groups have more smoke exposure:

• Service industry workers, such as restaurant servers and bartenders: Anyone who works near groups of smokers may be unable to avoid secondhand smoke.
• Pregnant women: Secondhand smoke affects unborn children and their mothers. Lower amounts of oxygen available for the baby can increase fetal heart rates or lower the birth weight. Women may experience miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or ectopic pregnancy.
• Infants, children and pets: Young children and animals cant always choose to leave a smoke-filled room. The constant exposure increases the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

Practical Strategies To Assist Parents With Smoking Cessation

Health care providers have the ability to make a tremendous impact on smoking cessation. This is particularly true in pediatrics where parents accompany their child to regularly scheduled well visits as well as sick visits. Interestingly, the majority of smokers wish to quit but many are never asked about their smoking addiction or given advice on cessation. Major reasons contributing to the failure to address smoking cessation include lack of time and lack of knowledge of medications and treatment. Unfortunately, less than a quarter of physicians report any formal training in smoking cessation, and only approximately two-thirds report feeling confident in prescribing smoking cessation medications. Additionally, the majority of physicians are unaware of the US Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guidelines for smoking cessation. The remainder of this section will assist health care providers in becoming aware of the guidelines and will provide useful information on smoking cessation strategies and treatments .

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What Is Second Hand Smoke And How It Affects Asthma

Secondhand smoke is basically a mixture of two types of smoke that originates from the burning of tobacco. These are:

• Mainstream smoke which is exhaled out directly by the smoker
• Sidestream smoke that comes from a lighted cigarette, cigar, or hookah

Lots of people who do not actually smoke, but have a family member as a smoker, have a question in mind: can passive smoking cause asthma?

To be true, passive smoke is found to be much more harmful than actually smoking.

This is due to the fact that the smoke coming out of a lighted cigarette or cigar tip contains more hazardous substances that includes nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar, etc.

This can prove to be much harmful to health than the smoke which is inhaled directly by the smoker.

Studies show that secondhand smoke is actually more harmful to people who are already suffering from asthma or other respiratory issues.

When these people are exposed to such smoke they are highly vulnerable to getting asthma attacks and associated problems like shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.

Asthma Symptoms Can Mimic Other Illnesses Or Diseases Especially In Older Adults For Example:

• Hiatal hernia, stomach problems, heart failure, or rheumatic arthritis can create asthma-like symptoms.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has many of the same symptoms as asthma. COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is very common in older adults especially those who are or have been smokers.

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What Is Third Hand Smoke And How It Affects Asthma

Thirdhand smoke basically refers to residual byproducts of cigarette smoke which are left behind on indoor surfaces like furniture, walls, carpets, drapes, clothes, etc.

The residual chemical and ultrafine particles of the tobacco smoke can also get linger on hairs, skin, or to the interiors of the car surfaces weeks after a cigarette or cigar has been put off and smoker has left the area.

These potentially harmful tiny particles when gets exposed to asthmatics can prove to be hazardous and much more deadly for them, as compared to nicotine inhaled directly by the smoker.

The residue left behind due to thirdhand smoke gradually build up on various surfaces which get reacted with other indoor pollutants present in the air slowly.

This gets converted into a deadly toxic mixture and chemical compounds that act as a potential health hazard for children and non-smokers resulting in respiratory issues like asthma for them.

Infants and toddlers are often at increased risk of thirdhand smoke as they tend to get in touch with these contaminated surfaces through hands and mouth.

Sad to reveal, you cannot get rid of thirdhand smoke so easily. To remove these tiny residues and harmful particles completely, you should regularly get your furniture and upholstery cleaned.

And most importantly you should insist on living in a smoke-free environment by not allowing anyone in your family to smoke. This is important not only for you but also for your small ones.

Can You Develop Asthma From Smoking Weed

It appears that smoking weed will not cause asthma to develop. But in people that already have asthma, smoking weed may cause a flare-up of symptoms.

In some people, inhaling marijuana smoke into the lungs can increase asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest, due to airway irritation. There is also a risk that inhaling the smoke will lead to bronchospasm.

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Secondhand Smoke Harms Children

Secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems in children.2,4

• Studies show that older children whose parents smoke get sick more often. Their lungs grow less than children who do not breathe secondhand smoke, and they get more bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Wheezing and coughing are more common in children who breathe secondhand smoke.
• Secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack in a child. Children with asthma who are around secondhand smoke have more severe and frequent asthma attacks. A severe asthma attack can put a childs life in danger.
• Children whose parents smoke around them get more ear infections. They also have fluid in their ears more often and have more operations to put in ear tubes for drainage.

Parents can help protect their children from secondhand smoke by taking the following actions:9

• Do not allow anyone to smoke anywhere in or near your home.
• Do not allow anyone to smoke in your car, even with the window down.
• Make sure your childrens day care centers and schools are tobacco-free.
• If your state still allows smoking in public areas, look for restaurants and other places that do not allow smoking. No-smoking sections do not protect you and your family from secondhand smoke.

The Dangers Of Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is a well-known asthma trigger. If you smoke, consider quitting, especially if your child has asthma. Secondhand smoke can harm the lungs, cause long-term breathing problems, and make existing breathing problems worse.;

Kids with asthma who live in households with smokers:

• may have flare-ups more often
• are more likely to have to go the emergency room;with severe asthma flare-ups
• are more likely to miss school because of their asthma
• must take more asthma medicine
• have asthma that’s harder to control, even with medicine

Even kids who don’t have asthma are at risk of problems if their parents smoke. These kids are more likely to get upper respiratory infections, middle ear infections, and even pneumonia. Being exposed to smoke from 10 cigarettes per day may put kids at risk of developing asthma, even if they’ve never had any breathing problems before.

Cigarette smoke can also get absorbed into upholstery, clothing, and carpeting, leaving carcinogens that can’t be washed away with soap and water. Kids who touch, mouth, play on, or breathe near contaminated surfaces may develop breathing problems from this kind of;”thirdhand” smoke.

And here’s the best reason of all to quit smoking: Children whose parents smoke are more likely to smoke when they get older.

You don’t have to quit on your own. Talk to your doctor about possible strategies from support groups to medication. If you do continue smoking, don’t smoke in the house or car.

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How Can Asthma Attacks Be Prevented

If you or a family member has asthma, you can manage it with the help of your health care provider and by avoiding your; triggers. Try to avoid asthma attacks by staying far away from tobacco smoke. Some other helpful tips are:

• References

Jamason C. has had asthma attacks triggered by exposure to secondhand smoke.

I was 16. People were smoking near me. My chest got really tight. I was trying to breathe, trying to get air into my lungs. I couldnt bear it!

Real stories about asthma:

• Nathan M.

• Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in your home or car. Opening a window does not protect you from smoke.8
• If your state still allows smoking in public areas, look for restaurants and other places that do not allow smoking. No-smoking sections in the same restaurant with smoking sections do not protect adequately from secondhand smoke8even if there is a filter or ventilation system.9
• Make sure your childrens day care centers and schools are tobacco-free. For schools, a tobacco-free campus policy means no tobacco use or advertising on school property is allowed by anyone at any time. This includes off-campus school events.8
• Teach children to stay away from secondhand smoke. Be a good role model by not smoking.8

There is no cure for asthma. However, to help control your asthma and avoid attacks:2

• Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.
• Stay away from things that can trigger an attack.

• Quick-relief
• Long-term control

Effects In Pregnant Women

If youre pregnant, thirdhand smoke exposure can also affect your unborn baby. Whether you breathe in or touch surfaces with chemical residue, youre at risk of taking in toxins from the smoke into your bloodstream. This can then transfer over to the fetus.

A small study examined the effects of thirdhand smoke exposure on fetal rat lung tissue. It found that certain toxins in cigarette smoke adversely affected lung development.

A babys exposure to thirdhand smoke can also lead to respiratory illnesses after birth. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of SIDS.

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Who Is Affected By Third Hand Smoke

• Third hand smoke affects people who live in homes, hotels, or any indoor environment that was used long term;by smokers. Even cars used by smokers can have third hand smoke residue.

• Babies, toddlers, and children are at greater risk of negative health effects because:

1) they inhale 40 times more than adults

2) they have greater hand/object/mouth contact so they absorb proportionately more through ingestion

3) have greater absorption through their skin

• Data show that individuals classified as low socio-economic status tend to live in more multi-unit housing where smoking may not be banned.If your neighbor smokes,;it can get into your apartment through the ventilation system.Third hand smoke can be present in apartments even if they have been vacant for two months and are cleaned and prepared for new residents.

Developing Asthma After Quitting Smoking: Possible Reasons

Smoking and asthma in adults can be a severe problem for long. Even for many people asthma and bronchitis symptoms persists when they quit smoking.

Breathing and asthma getting worse, since giving up smoking, can be attributed to the fact that your lungs and respiratory system are once again getting ready for normal functioning.

As they experienced sudden changes and are not habitual to it, the signs of increased asthma symptoms can be sometimes seen.

Possible Reasons and Things You Need To Check

Its a proven fact that if you continue to smoke it can put you at risk of developing asthma and not when you quit. The fact, that you experience aggravated asthma symptoms even after quitting may be sometimes due to various other reasons.

Try to figure out if there are any triggers/allergens present in your environment that may be causing the problem. These may be like: fire smoke in winters, increased pollen count, heavy pollution, etc.

If you find any, you definitely need to get rid of them so that you can easily alleviate your asthma symptoms.

Few tips that can help are:

• Avoid traveling with people who smoke
• If travel with them, do not allow them to smoke
• Limit your company to friends who do not smoke
• Avoid visiting public places where smoking is allowed
• Avoid visiting outdoors on days when there is high pollen count or heavy pollution

Breathing may sometimes feel to be more difficult for you but worry not.

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Can Smoking Help Make Asthma Better

Yes, indeed it was the case in the past when smoking was considered a way to make asthma feel better.

According to various past studies, asthma cigarettes which contained belladonna and stramonium were used by asthmatics due to its sweet aroma known to relieve respiratory issues and asthma symptoms.

Thanks to all latest medical researches due to which it has been proved the smoking of any kind is harmful to health and it outweighs the benefits offered, if any.

Fortunately, there are better and safer medicines known today, used by doctors, to treat asthma conditions. And smoking no longer is recommended for relieving respiratory issues such as asthma!

What You Can Do

• Make every effort to stop smoking, even if you could not stop before. Keep trying!
• Do not let anyone smoke in your home. Smoke stays in the furniture cushions, carpets and curtains. It can continue to irritate your child.
• If people must smoke, tell them to do it outside.
• Never smoke in the car with your child or in the car your child normally rides in.
• Avoid homes, restaurants, and other places where people smoke.
• If other people care for your child, make sure they do not smoke.
• Wash your hands and face after smoking, since smoke stays on your skin.
• Wear a covering over your clothing when you smoke, even outside, since smoke sticks to clothes. Leave the covering outside before going indoors.

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How Can I Keep Smoke Away From My Child Or Myself

Ways to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke include:

• If you smoke, quit. Quitting isn’t always easy, but there are many programs and methods to help. Ask your health care provider to help you find the one that is best for you. If your spouse or other family members smoke, help them understand the dangers of smoking and encourage them to quit.
• Do not allow smoking in your home or your car.
• Do not let anyone smoke around you or your child.
• Avoid restaurants and public places that permit smoking.

How Can I Quit Smoking

There’s no single way to quit smoking that works for everyone with asthma. A smoking cessation program may be helpful. Ask your doctor about programs in your community.

Before you quit all at once , setting a plan will help:

• Pick a date to stop smoking, and then prepare for it.
• Tell family and friends you plan to quit.
• Record when and why you smoke. You will come to know what triggers you to smoke.
• Record what you do when you smoke.
• List your reasons for quitting. Read over the list before and after you quit.
• Find activities to replace smoking. Be ready to do something else when you want to smoke.
• Ask your doctor about using nicotine replacement products such as gum, lozenges, patches, inhalers, or nasal sprays. These are first-line medications that some people find very helpful. Nicotine-free prescription medications, like Chantix and Zyban, can also help you quit smoking.

Quitting time

On the day you pick to quit, start that morning without a cigarette. Then follow these helpful tips:

How quickly will I see benefits from quitting smoking?

After 20 minutes of not smoking:

• Your blood pressure and pulse rate begin to decrease.
• Circulation and the temperature of your hands and feet begin to increase.

After 12 hours of not smoking:

• The carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal.

After 2 weeks to 3 months of not smoking:

• Your body circulates blood better
• Your lungs function better

After 1 to 9 months of not smoking:

• Coughing and shortness of breath lessen

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Where Can Thirdhand Smoke Be Found

Thirdhand smoke is found in areas where smoking once occurred. It can accumulate on walls, floors, rugs, carpets, curtains, counters, appliances, pillows, blankets and beds; car upholstery; hotel rooms; and on skin, hair, and clothing. Residual nicotine has been found in ceiling tiles even 30 years after the last smoking occurred.