New research has shown that children are extra sensitive to smoke. They don’t have to smoke for that themselves. The remains of tobacco smoke that remain on people and furniture can also cause health problems for children. If kids inhale smoke even indirectly, that might lead to permanent changes in the brain. Very little research has been done in children. However, animal studies have been done. Based on this, it is suspected that nicotine can cause permanent changes in the brain. So, what can we do? Read it in this blog.
Smoking at a young age increases the risk of brain changes. These permanent changes in the brain can make it more difficult for young people to quit smoking later in their lives. This is not only applicable to inhaling smoke from a cigarette yourself, but also for secondhand smoke.
Secondhand smoke is harmful to children
When children in the area are exposed to smoke, this is called second-hand smoke. Children then inhale the toxic substances from tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke is especially unhealthy for children. Their bodies and lungs are still developing and in growth. Children can therefore also become ill from second-hand smoke.
Children who regularly smoke secondhand are more likely to:
Sometimes children do not immediately get complaints from secondhand smoke, but only when they are older. Second-hand smokers are more likely to start smoking themselves. They are also more likely to develop cancer, cardiovascular disease, or lung disease.
Even smoking outside is harmful
Even if parents smoke outside, they can still pass harmful substances on to children. The toxic substances from smoke remain behind in, for example, hair, clothing, skin, furniture, and carpeting. Children ingest these substances by inhaling and touching them. Young children are even more sensitive to this, because they crawl on the floor, put objects in their mouths and have a lot of physical contact. This smoke is also unhealthy for children. Smoking outside therefore does not prevent children from ingesting the harmful substances from smoke. As a parent, it is therefore better to stop smoking completely.
Asthma in children
Children with asthma have sensitive lungs. Smoking makes a child more prone to asthma. Also, the medicine given to comfort asthmatic kids won’t work so well. With asthma, your child suffers from wheezing, shortness of breath or coughing. Your child is more tired and quickly short of breath with exertion. Complaints are often caused by pollen, pets, dust mites, smoke, colds, running, stress, cold or fog. Make sure no one smokes near your child, not even outside. Let your child exercise and do sports to stay fit. Your child will be given medicine to inhale.
Quit smoking
It might be an open door but quit smoking might be the best solution, not only for your kids but also for your own health. We all know that, but it is not so easy. Quitting smoking isn’t just difficult because of the withdrawal symptoms. It’s also hard because you need to rethink your habits. You also need new ways to deal with stress and emotions.
The disadvantages of smoking
Besides the health for children and others around you, it also does a lot to your own health. You may notice some of the disadvantages of smoking on a day-to-day basis. What do you notice?
What do you only notice after a long time?
Sooner or later, you will suffer from smoking. Half of all smokers are more likely to die from smoking. A quarter of smokers (1 in 4) even die before their 65th birthday.
Disadvantages for your body and your health
Skin
Lungs
Brain
Sex and reproduction
Wounds
We can help you
Quitting smoking is difficult, but not impossible.
Contact your Urban Care Clinic doctor. Together you can find the best way for you to quit smoking. Read on via the Urban Care Clinic portal.