Adolescents with asthma are twice as likely to smoke

Asthma and cigarette smoke don’t mix. The tobacco Would even worsen this chronic disease by further irritating the bronchi in people with asthma. This aspect does not seem to discourage adolescents too much, according to a study revealed by theAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). The association of experts which brings together allergists, immunologists and doctors points to this paradox: adolescents with asthma are twice as likely to smoke as adolescents without asthma.

Despite being aware of the risk to their lungs, they keep on smoking. This observation was drawn from the observation of 3,300 questionnaires of adolescents aged 13 to 19, some of whom had asthma. The results show that 22% of young people surveyed with asthma used to smoke, compared to only 12% of adolescents without respiratory problems. Many of these asthmatic teens have developed addiction to nicotine, the researchers found.

Smokers with asthma who started smoking before the age of 11 said they did it to reduce stress and anxiety. More generally, most adolescent smokers have explained their attraction to cigarettes by a simple need to satisfy a curiosity.

Cigarette smoke dangerous for asthmatics

Asthma is characterized by inflammation or irritation of the bronchi. It manifests itself in easily recognizable crises by difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, a dry cough and wheezing, recalls the site improved health.

This relative casualness on the part of young asthmatics worries health professionals. “If you have asthma it is important to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke. Smoking hinders breathing in young asthmatics, ”warns the ACAAI.

Last September, researchers discovered that a lack of vitamin D could overexpose the risk of developing asthma. Conversely, supplementation with vitamin D may reduce asthma attacks.

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