Lead a Smokefree lifestyle

Quit now!

  • Click here for some quick tips on how to give up smoking. You might be surprised to know that there are plenty of people who want to help make it easier for you.

smokefree cars

 

  • Winding down a car window does not eliminate the harmful poisons contained in second-hand smoke.
  • Poisons from second-hand smoke can linger in dust and on surfaces for days, weeks or even months after smoking has taken place.
  • Check out 
    www.smokefreecars.org.nz 
    for more information.

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  • Click here to read the pamphlet that explains why asthma and smoking just don't mix.

Say 'no way' to smoking

Cigarette smoke contains 4000 harmful chemicals, and is a major asthma trigger. In fact around three quarters of people with asthma become wheezy in a smoky room.

When you have asthma your airways are extra sensitive and they can become red and swollen (inflamed), the muscle around the outside can tighten and extra mucus may be produced. Tobacco smoke damages the little hair-like structures, called cilia, which remove dust, pollens and other irritants from your lungs.

This means that the normal cleaning action of your lungs is damaged and you are more prone to chest infections, which in turn brings on or worsens your asthma. Smoking marijuana is also very harmful to the lungs.

Why is smoke especially harmful to people with asthma?

  • it reduces your lung function
  • it makes your asthma worse
  • it may increase your chances of having asthma attacks
  • it makes your day-to-day asthma control harder to achieve and increases the need for asthma medications
  • it may increase your sensitivity to other environmental triggers (eg pets, pollens and chemicals)
  • it increases your chances of permanently damaging your airways - there is a very real risk of developing chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

If you smoke, try to give up!! It isn't easy, but there are plenty of people who want to help make the process easier for you. If you have managed to quit before - well done - it will be less difficult next time.

For help with quitting, call your local Asthma Society, the National Heart Foundation, the Cancer Society or call the Quitline 0800 778 778.

What is second-hand smoke?

Second-hand smoke occurs when non-smokers breathe in harmful sidestream smoke of others. Smoking around non-smokers with asthma in the home contributes to the development of asthma and an earlier onset of the disease.

Children who live in a home with smokers are more likely to have respiratory infections – these infections are a known trigger for asthma. It has been shown that children with asthma whose parents smoke have more asthma symptoms than children whose parents don't smoke. Also, exposure of young babies to cigarette smoke increases the risk of asthma and bronchial problems.

If a woman smokes during pregnancy, the chemicals in the smoke are passed on to the baby. These chemicals affect the cells of the developing lungs. This may increase the baby’s chances of having lung problems such as asthma.

Ways to reduce your exposure to second hand smoke

  • Don’t smoke
  • Make your home and care smokefree (The Regional Public Health office at your local District Health Board will be able to supply you with smokefree home and smokefree car stickers.)
  • Avoid smoky environments
  • Ask people not to smoke around you or your children, and explain how it affects people with asthma.

It is really important to try and have your day-to-day asthma well controlled, especially if you are unable to avoid smoky areas. The main treatment of asthma is the preventer inhaler, taken every day even when feeling well. But make sure you have your reliever medication with you at all times. Take some reliever medication before entering a place you know will have smokers. If you are using your reliever 3 to 4 times a week (excluding before exercise), then your asthma is not in control, and you should see a doctor. 

To find out more about how to quit, call the Quitline 0800 778 778 today!