Secondhand smoke: How bad is it for kids?

Secondhand smoke has proven to be bad for our health, but research shows it is even worse for children.

Children who are subjected to smoke from cigarettes are more prone to:

• Develop asthma or worsen its symptoms
• Lung infections
• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Issues with cognitive functioning
• Develop lung cancer in adulthood

Dr. Joshua Freedman, pediatric pulmonologist with Marshfield Clinic Health System, said the primary concern for children and secondhand smoke is asthma.

“We know that kids who are around secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of asthma and have a harder time controlling it,” Freedman said.

Kids subject to secondhand smoke tend to require higher doses of asthma medication. They are also more likely to end up hospitalized than those who are not around it.

“Once they are removed from the smoke, the control of their asthma is definitely better. They may even come off all their medications,” Freedman said.

Preventing secondhand smoke

There are many ways to reduce the effects of smoke from cigarettes on children. However, there is no way to completely eliminate the effects as long as you are smoking.

Freedman said children can still have elevated levels of toxins from the smoking in their system even if you are doing everything you can to prevent it.

It is definitely better to smoke outside, change your clothes and shower afterwards to help reduce the effects,” Freedman said.

She also recommends not smoking in the car because the smoke can get into the seats and cause the same issues.

For more information about secondhand smoke and its effects on children, talk to your child’s pediatrician.

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