The most effective way to limit the negative effects of smoke on individuals with asthma is to avoid smoke – particularly tobacco smoke – as much as possible. Physicians recommend that asthmatics, as well as family members of asthmatics, follow these steps to limit exposure to tobacco smoke:

• Quit smoking
  
  
• Do not allow smoking in the home
  
  
• Do not allow smoking in the same vehicle
  
  
• Work with your employer to limit smoking at work
  
  
• Use the non-smoking areas at restaurants and other establishments, or avoid them completely

Smoking indoors near a window, holding a cigarette out a car window and smoking near a fan are not effective ways of limiting indoor second-hand smoke. Smoking in the presence of another person – anywhere or at any time – adversely affects the health of that individual, particularly if they suffer from asthma.

Some other types of smoke-producing sources should also be avoided. Wood burning stoves, candles and incense are all capable of producing smoke that can be harmful to a person with asthma.

In some areas, forest fires or brush fires can occasionally cause the local air to fill with smoke. While this type of air pollution will usually not severely harm a person’s lungs, it can aggravate asthma conditions. It is best for asthmatics to try to remain indoors until the air clears.