Cigarettes, Electronic Cigarettes, Hookah, and Passive Smoking

Tobacco smoke is one of the leading preventable triggers for asthma. Smoking cigarettes, using e-cigarettes, hookah smoking, or exposure to other people's smoke all irritate the airways and worsen asthma.

How does smoking affect asthma?

• It increases inflammation and mucus production in the airways.

• It makes the attacks more frequent and more severe.

• Inhaled corticosteroids reduce their effectiveness; that is, the medications are less effective in smokers.

• In the long term, it can lead to permanent loss of lung function.

Are e-cigarettes "safer"?

Electronic cigarettes are often marketed as harmless or far more innocent than traditional cigarettes. However, e-cigarette vapor contains nicotine, flavoring chemicals, and fine particles. These substances irritate the airways and have been linked to an increased risk of coughing, wheezing, and asthma attacks in young people. Just because they are fruit or candy flavored doesn't make them safer. E-cigarettes are not an option for someone with asthma.

Nargile

Hookah is often underestimated with the misconception that the water "filters" the smoke. This is incorrect. A hookah session is lengthy, during which a person inhales high amounts of smoke, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Enclosed hookah cafes create a dense smoky environment even for non-smokers.

Passive smoking: someone else's smoke

Even non-smokers can be affected when exposed to smoke. Passive smoking:

• It increases the risk of developing asthma in children.

• In children with asthma, it increases attacks, emergency room visits, and school absenteeism.

• Exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy negatively affects the baby's lung development.

Opening a window, smoking in another room, or running the ventilation system does not eliminate the harmful effects of smoke.

Third hand smoke

Even after cigarettes are extinguished, smoke residue clings to carpets, curtains, furniture, car upholstery, and clothing. Over time, this residue can become airborne. Young children, especially those playing on the floor, are more exposed to it. The best solution is to keep your home and car completely smoke-free.

What can you do?

• Do not allow smoking in the house or in the car. Apply this rule to guests as well.

• Avoid smoky environments. When choosing a cafe, restaurant, or event, opt for smoke-free venues.

• If you have a loved one who smokes, support them in quitting without judgment.

• If you smoke, quitting is one of the most effective steps you can take for your asthma. Quitting can be difficult, but with support, the chances of success increase significantly.

Support for quitting

In Türkiye, the Ministry of Health's ALO 171 Smoking Cessation Helpline offers free support. You can also get help from your family doctor and smoking cessation clinics. If you have tried to quit before and it didn't work, don't give up; many people succeed after a few attempts.

This article is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor for smoking cessation treatments.