What Is Secondhand Smoking?
Secondhand smoking can also be called “passive smoking” and in brief, it means the smoke that you do not mean to inhale when you are near cigarette smoke. This can affect your health in a different way and you would not feel the change as to how it has an effect on you.
This can happen if you are at a public gathering or even standing near someone who is smoking.
Why is Secondhand Smoking Dangerous?
There are two ways that a person can be exposed to secondhand smoke;
- Side stream smoke
- Mainstream smoke
The term “mainstream smoke” refers to someone who is smoking in public, whereas “side stream smoke” refers to someone who is burning tobacco.
Since these goods also include nicotine, the smoke they produce contains dangerous substances. Since the cigarette or cigar end would be unfiltered and contain more hazardous chemicals, being exposed to side stream smoke is far more damaging.
How Do Non-smokers Get Affected?
When a non-smoker gets exposed to secondhand smoke, there are different ways in which it can have an effect on the body. The damage secondhand smoke can do is,
- Lung diseases (Asthma and COPD)
- Cardiovascular diseases (High blood pressure and heart attack)
- Increased risk of cancer in the body
There is no treatment for non-smokers who get exposed to secondhand smoke but they can manage their exposure and treat the conditions as well. Your doctor will treat the symptoms of the diseases that occur in your body and even prescribe medications for you to manage these.
How to Prevent Secondhand Exposure?
The toxins that come out when other people breathe it out are also dangerous since they can be harmful to non-smokers. The best thing for people who have been exposed is to avoid areas where smokers may mingle around and make sure to not inhale the chemicals that come out from the tobacco products.
If a person is regularly exposed to secondhand smoke, then this can do damage to their heart and lungs. It is always best to look out for yourself and make sure to stay healthy. Hence, you should avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
You can make sure you won’t be near people who are smoking, and let people know not to smoke near you or inside your house or car. You can consult your doctor if you feel that you have symptoms of the diseases that can occur.
Overall, it is always best to keep yourself in good shape and good health and if you feel that you need a way to stop smoking or help a loved one to do so, then you can contact us for more details.
At Wellness Advice, we only want the best for you and we provide the best health services!
