Cigarette smoke/vaping is a major trigger for asthma symptoms and reduces the effectiveness of asthma medication. It also heightens the risk of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear infections.
If you smoke, vape or are exposed to passive smoke, you increase the risk of an asthma attack and may permanently damage your airways. Avoidance of passive and active smoking/vaping is the most important control measure for both adults and children with asthma. It has been shown that children with asthma whose parents smoke have more asthma episodes than children whose parents don’t smoke. You put your children at risk of asthma if you smoke around them or during pregnancy.
Trigger Tips:
- Seek help to stop smoking/vaping
- Ensure you are not exposed to second-hand smoke/vape; smokers/vapers should not smoke/vape indoors.
- Your pharmacist can help you quit.
- For help quitting smoking/ vaping, call the QUIT service (1800 201 203)
Information and advice on quitting smoking/vaping
- Call the National Smokers’ Quitline 1800 201 203
- Email support@quit.ie
- Visit QUIT.IE