You are here:

Asthma/asthma sypttoms

Advertisement

Expert: Kevin Smith - 10/26/2009


Question
Can an asthma sufferer get asthma from smelling the clothing of someone who has recently smoked?

Answer
Hello ana,

The short answer is: yes.

The slightly longer answer is yes, they can have their asthma symptoms triggered by 'old' smoke. Usually, it would be due to an allergic reaction to the ingredients from the smoke, rather then a true asthmatic attack due to inhaling the smoke itself, but the results can still be very similar.

This would, most likely, be a fairly severe reaction, but it has happened and is possible.

Hope that helps you out!

Kevin

Asthma

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Kevin Smith

Expertise

I can answer questions on general living with severe asthma including home modifications, diet, general medications, symptoms, psychology, indications, and social interactions. While there are expert present who are involved with the care of asthmatics from a professional point-of-view ( respiratory techs, for instance ) I would prefer to answer questions from asthmatics, their families and friends who wish to hear from someone with the disease in a severe form in order to gain 'general' advice.

Experience

Severe asthmatic for 30 years. I have been ventilated six times for asthma, and have been active in areas of research and counseling of asthmatic, COPD, and CF patients. I am also both a registered pharmacy tech who specialized in respiratory medications, and a professional counselor with a BA-psych degree who has seen many respiratory clients professionally.

Education/Credentials
I do not have any educational credentials related directly to asthma. However, I have my degree in psychology which I have used in conjunction with my disease to counsel other sufferers.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.