What should you know about smoking and asthma?

Asthma causes airways to become sensitive and narrow in response to triggers. Tobacco smoke and second-hand smoke can add irritation, increase coughing, and provoke wheezing or chest tightness. Smoke can also make it harder to recognise which symptoms come from asthma and which come from another problem such as allergic rhinitis or a chronic cough.

Asthma symptoms may vary from day to day. Night waking, symptoms during activity, or needing a reliever inhaler more often can suggest that control needs review. Smoking does not prove that every cough or tight chest sensation is asthma; a clinician may need to assess breathing and triggers.

Stopping smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke are central steps. Keep prescribed inhalers available, use them with the technique taught to you, and follow your written asthma action plan. Do not stop a preventer inhaler because symptoms improve unless the prescriber advises a change.

Ask for an inhaler technique check if medicine seems less effective. Reduce exposure to known triggers such as dust, strong fumes, and smoke. A clinician can review symptoms, peak-flow readings if used, and whether treatment should change.

Call emergency services if breathing is severely difficult, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, or your reliever is not helping as directed in your action plan. Sit upright and follow the plan while waiting for help.

Seek prompt review for increasing wheezing, chest tightness, night symptoms, reduced activity, or repeated need for a reliever. Urgent assessment may include inhaled treatment or nebuliser treatment when clinically appropriate.

Ask how smoking is affecting your control, whether your inhaler technique is correct, what your personal action plan says during a flare, and which stop-smoking support will work with your asthma medicines.