Secondhand smoke is smoke which has already been breathed out by smokers or which is expelled from the burning end of a cigarette. Although secondhand smoke is harmful for everyone, it is most dangerous for children with asthma.

Secondhand smoke contains substances called carcinogens. These substances act as allergens, i.e. substances that cause allergies. They cause irritation and inflammation (redness and swelling) of the insides of the airways, also known as “bronchioles”. These give rise to a number of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. These symptoms can worsen to the point where it is possible for one to contract an asthma attack.

Children are at a greater risk from the effects of secondhand smoking. The reason can be attributed to their age. Since they are young, the different organs in their bodies are still at an undeveloped stage. Their air passages, or bronchioles, are smaller than those in adults. As a result, children need to breathe more rapidly to get the amount of oxygen that is needed for proper functioning of the different organs in their body. The rapid breathing means that they inhale in a larger amount of secondary smoke than their adult counterparts.

That’s why parents must quit smoking themselves to make sure that their children are not exposed to secondhand smoke.