Chronic, common and life-threatening - asthma is a serious disease, only made worse from exposure to secondhand smoke. Over 25 million Americans are living with asthma and the breathing difficulties that come with it.

Inhaling secondhand smoke inflames the airways and weakens respiratory function. This can aggravate symptoms and trigger asthma attacks.

Long-term effects from exposure to second-hand smoke include increased risk of:

• coronary heart disease (risk increased by 25-30%)
• lung cancer (risk increased by 20-30%) and other cancers.
• stroke (risk increased by 20-30%)
• increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other breathing problems.

Secondhand smoke exposure occurs when people breathe in smoke breathed out by people who smoke or from burning tobacco products. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke; even brief exposure can cause serious health problems and be deadly.

Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) quickly open swollen airways that are limiting breathing. In some cases, allergy medications are necessary. Long-term asthma control medications, generally taken daily, are the cornerstone of asthma treatment.

What Causes Asthma?

• Family history. If you have a parent with asthma, you are three to six times more likely to develop asthma than someone who does not have a parent with asthma.
• Allergies.
• Viral respiratory infections.
• Occupational exposures.
• Smoking.
• Air Pollution.
• Obesity.

Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for acute respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis, middle ear disease, more frequent and severe asthma, respiratory symptoms, and slowed lung growth.

The home is the main place many children and adults breathe in secondhand smoke. To protect yourself and those around you, do not smoke or let anyone smoke in your home or car, and encourage family members to quit smoking. Smoke from one cigarette can stay in a room for hours.

Secondhand smoke damages the body in many different ways. Adults exposed to secondhand smoke may experience: Cardiovascular (heart, veins and arteries) disease like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke. Lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and asthma.

The most common treatments are bronchodilators, which can be short-term to treat an asthma attack or long-term for management of symptoms over time. Lifestyle changes may also help reduce asthma flare-ups. This can include dietary changes, exercise, or stress management.

There are four types of asthma inhaler devices that deliver medicine: metered dose inhalers (MDI), dry powder inhalers (DPI), breath actuated inhalers, and soft mist inhalers. Metered dose inhalers have medicine plus a propellant.

Levels of Asthma

• Step 1 – mild intermittent asthma. Symptoms fewer than two times a week.
• Step 2 – mild persistent asthma. Symptoms more than two times a week, but no more than once a day.
• Step 3 – moderate persistent asthma. Symptoms every day.
• Step 4 – severe persistent asthma. Constant symptoms.