Asthma and smoking

[Ash123445]

hi all, so I am having a tough time at the moment. I do smoke and I do have anxiety along with the asthma so these don’t help.

I’m trying to stop smoking but it’s hard. Has anyone in here with asthma smoked and what was the day to day feeling like?

How I can describe it is if you have been up all night laughing your throat goes dry and it’s almost like someone has there hand over your mouth when you breath. That’s how I feel

Gp looked at me yesterday and said my chest sounds really good.

I’m getting very down about it now

[Patk1]

Smoking will be aggravating yr asthma and the tar produced in lungs isn't gd,plus risk of copd.have u tried accessing stop smoking services for help if u want to stop? In uk most chemist's offer free help.take a look at aluk website,loads of advice on there

[Stewiecat]

Hi, I have late onset severe eosinophilic asthma which started out of the blue 3.5 years ago, I gave up smoking 9 years ago this month and I can't imagine how awful it must feel to have asthma and smoke, the idea makes me slightly panicked, it must make you feel awful, I'm sorry you are struggling, but you really would make yourself feel better if you stopped the cigarettes, I chose a day, binned all my smoking related things and set myself new morning routines, yes it was hard, really hard but once you get past the first week it's easier i promise, I used a vix nasal inhaler as a thing in my hand 24/7 and used that to breath on every time I had a craving, so i still had the hand to face motion, believe me I know how hard it can be, but I know it's possible, if needed there are lots of stop smoking aids and support networks out there too so plenty to try, see what works better for you, giving up really is the very best gift you can give yourself now and in the future, sending lots of good wishes and luck in your journey x Nicola

[Patk1 in reply to Stewiecat]

There r little stainless steel tubes now to suck on, but I don't know what they're called.you breathe in fresh air but gives hands something to hold onto+ inhale

[jules41]

I also have asthma and I was smoking 20 a day. I read Allen Carrs Easy Way to stop Smoking. I have now been smoking free for 6 weeks and 3 days although I do vape with a low nicotine level.

[Ash123445 in reply to jules41]

Thats awesome. Have you noticed a difference

[jules41 in reply to Ash123445]

Yes,I've definitely noticed a difference. I hardly cough anymore but I also started taking montelukast not long before I stopped smoking. The book is absolutely amazing, I don't often use the word 'amazing ' but I don't even crave a cigarette. I hope you're able to give up smoking. X

[Chrisart in reply to jules41]

I also used Alan Carr’s book to stop smoking and it’s 19 years since I stopped! I can definitely recommend it.

[Joroax]

hi ash I used the nicotine patches which did work. And a low nicotine vape. A bit of willpower goes a long way. I used to just say to myself you don’t smoke anymore. The benefits of not smoking have been great. My asthma improved and I had a bit more cash!

[Ash123445 in reply to Joroax]

That’s great that you have stopped well done. Did you notice that when you was smoking your asthma was bad? Think with me I get stressed and worried but then I reach for a cigarette. It makes no sense

[Joroax in reply to Ash123445]

Yes my asthma was very bad when I smoked. It’s a vicious circle because I also used to have anxiety when asthma was bad so I used to have a ciggie. It’s just breaking the cycle of that. Your GP or hospital can help you with this. Give it a try. It will benefit you greatly.

[jules41 in reply to Ash123445]

You think a cigarette helps you calm down but it actually does the opposite. Then you want another cigarette. Honestly,read the book but do it when you are ready to.

[ilovesun]

I smoked with asthma. Quite a long time. I also worked (pro club DJ) in a very smoky atmosphere.

I set a date a year in advance and worked toward it slowly. I planned on not working for 3 months and ended up taking a year out I gave up 40 years ago on Valentine's Day and haven't had one since.

The first few days were a struggle but I managed it and had that year out of work

I gave up! It wasn't easy but I am so pleased I did.

[Ossing]

Just stop smoking. You can do it. Where there is the Will, there's a Way. You started smoking without the help of anyone. So, you can stop if you really want to. Staying healthy is more important than anything. Courage. Yes, you can stop smoking. It may sound harsh but your decision to stop smoking must be drastic.

[peege]

There are some very very poorly people who've smoked and now have severe COPD and suffer terribly with a very restricted life - I hesitated to write lifestyle, I expect there's little style attached. And this is without the added disadvantage of asthma - as seen on the AsthmalungUK forum. Please do give up the cigs, they're so toxic for you and the toxins don't only affect your lungs, your whole system is involved. My brother in law did quit but he's now suffering mouth cancer. I was talking to my dentist about it today, she said if only people knew what smoking and excess alcohol do to your mouth they wouldn't do either.

Do seek help from your gp and also ask for help with the anxiety. ...... there's a Quit forum on HealthUnlocked, click on My hub above right to find it.

[ilovesun]

I forgot to mention I now have COPD :/

[fallon12]

Hi Ash, I used to smoke and I have severe asthma. I stopped smoking nearly 15 years ago. I completely understand what you mean by feeling like there is a hand over your mouth. I found the night very difficult because of having to lie down (even with 2 big pillows) .I used to feel like I was suffocating and never got more than 3/4 hours sleep a night. Sometimes I would just sit up in a chair because I was scared to lie down. But my chest would be clear it really was the smoking. Now I sleep like a “normal person”. And I feel great. I will always have severe asthma but stopping smoking has given me a new lease of life which is priceless. I really hope you get to a point you feel able to stop and that your anxiety improves like mine. All the best for your future.

[Patk1]

Ash123445 there is a helpline mon-fri 9.15-5pm with ALUK nurses to help & advise you. U could discuss the issues you've raised here0300 222 5800