What Does Second Hand Smoke Do to a Child?
The onset of secondhand smoke exposure is usually gradual. Most people are unaware that they are emitting toxic fumes from their laptops, electric blanket, or cigarette. But exposure to secondhand smoke has a dramatic impact on children. Children are more susceptible to the negative effects of secondhand smoke exposure. Exposure to secondhand smoke can: Reduce a child’s lung capacity. Children have smaller airways and lungs than adults. This results in them being more susceptible to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure. Children also have decreased lung density compared to adults. This results in them being more likely to overuse their lungs to compensate for their small size. Reduced lung capacity can lead to several problems, such as: – Shortness of breath – Coughing – Bronchitis – Emphysema – Difficulties in breathing and speaking – wheezing – A higher risk of developing asthma – An increased risk of developing pneumonia – A higher risk of developing tuberculosis – A higher risk of developing bronchitis – A higher risk of developing emphysema Reduced lung density can also lead to: – Shortness of breath – Coughing – Bronchitis – Emphysema – Difficulties in breathing and speaking – Wheezing – A higher risk of developing asthma – An increased risk of developing pneumonia – A higher risk of
What Are the Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke?
Children are more susceptible to the negative effects of secondhand smoke exposure than adults. Exposure to secondhand smoke is linked to a variety of harmful health effects in children and young people. These may include: Lung cancer – One study found that children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
How Does Second Hand Smoke Impact a Child?
Secondhand smoke exposure is often under the parent’s control. Parents who smoke are often reluctant or unable to stop smoking for their children. Parents can improve their child’s health by Asking their child to stop using tobacco – A child’s understanding of the rule “no tobacco for you” can decline as they get older.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat or prevent tobacco use in children. These include Cadmium – A cancer-causing chemical used in some electronic cigarette devices. Nicotine – A stimulant chemical found in many tobacco products.
What Does Smoking Have to Do With Children?
Children are more susceptible to the negative effects of smoking than adults. They are also more likely to experiment with smoking. As a result, they are more likely to start smoking when they are young. Children who experiment with smoking are more likely to become regular smokers. Regular smoking poses several health risks to children, including lung cancer and heart disease. Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke in their homes are also at an increased risk of becoming regular smokers. This may occur because: Children who grow up in homes where smoking is present are more likely to become regular smokers than children who are not in a smoking household. Children who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to become involved in smoking-related behaviors as an adult.
The Negatives of Ex-Smoker Cravings
People who have stopped smoking can sometimes experience a craving for cigarettes. This is sometimes called an “ex-smokers” craving. These cravings are normal and characteristic of the human brain’s reward system. Cravings can last for a few hours or days and are usually not harmful. If you experience an “ex-smokers” craving, you can: Expect it to subside in about a week.
The Benefits of a New Ex-Smoker
People who stop smoking can experience a “reset” in their brain’s reward system. This can help normalize rewarding behaviors such as eating and drinking. People who stop smoking can also experience a reduction in their risk of developing: Alzheimer’s disease Dementia Parkinson’s disease Breathing problems Cognitive problems
Conclusion
Secondhand smoke exposure can have a major impact on children. It can: Reduce lung capacity. Decrease lung density. Hurt a child’s developing brain. Hurt a child’s body. Impair a child’s growth. Have an impact on their educational performance.It can reduce: The child’s lung capacity The child’s lung surface area The child’s maximum amount of oxygenation
The Bottom Line
Children are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of secondhand smoke. Children also have small livers and spongy diaphragms compared to adults. This can make them more likely to overuse their lungs to compensate for their small size. Children exposed to secondhand smoke also have an increased risk of developing cancers and heart diseases. These can have a significant impact on a child’s quality of life, making them less likely to complete high school or get a job. This can certainly be an issue for parents who are trying to get their children to stop smoking. It can be hard to get them to give up a bad habit when it’s not something they enjoy doing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it would be wise to seek help. You can also visit the American Lung Association website for tips on quitting.