Although the tendency to develop asthma and other allergies is inherited, research has shown exposure to tobacco smoke increases asthma symptoms and can trigger attacks in both smokers and non-smokers. People whose partners smoke are five times more likely to develop asthma in adulthood than those who are not exposed to passive smoke.

A study by the National Asthma Campaign showed that 80 per cent of people with asthma in the UK believe that other people's tobacco smoke makes their symptoms worse (Source www.asthma.org.uk). Babies whose parents smoke during pregnancy are 40 per cent more likely to develop asthma and other respiratory illnesses including breathing difficulties, wheezing and coughing. (Source Nottingham City Hospital)

John Soady Head of The Sheffield NHS Stop Smoking Service said: "The health benefits of quitting smoking are enormous. Asthma is just one condition that can be made worse by smoking. World Asthma Day highlights that smoking, or being exposed to secondary smoke, can trigger asthma attacks and we are urging Sheffield smokers to contact us to find out how we can help them give up smoking for good.”

World Asthma Day, on Tuesday May 4th, is a global campaign to raise awareness of the condition that affects 5.1 million people in the U.K.

Asthma attacks take place when the airways that carry oxygen into the lungs become narrow and inflamed. If people with asthma come into contact with a "trigger" such as cigarette smoke, the muscles in the airways tighten and narrow.

Last year scientists from the University of Glasgow discovered smoking could interfere with asthmatics’ medication. They found a steroid tablet used to treat people with severe asthma was less effective among smokers than non-smokers. (Source Professor Neil Thomson, University of Glasgow)

John Soady said: “Quite simply, asthma and smoking do not mix and we would urge smokers to consider giving up on World Asthma Day. The Sheffield NHS Stop Smoking Service offers free, comprehensive support to anyone who is serious about giving up – give us a call to find out more.”

For more information about giving up smoking or to find your nearest quit group call the Sheffield NHS Stop Smoking Service on freephone 0800 068 4490.