Smoking is dangerous and seriously affects the lungs of people with CF.
First, a person with CF cannot safely smoke. Even people with mild CF lung disease have compromised lung function; smoking is extremely detrimental and further lessens lung capacity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Surgeon General's office have published many reports on the dangers of smoking. Here are some key facts from those publications:
These facts were published for people without a chronic lung disease in mind; the impact of smoking for people with CF is even more severe. In addition, smoking may disqualify someone for a lung transplant. There also is evidence that prolonged second-hand smoke exposure for children and adults with CF is harmful to their lungs and their nutrition.
For more information regarding smoking and its dangers, please contact the CDC or your local CF Foundation-accredited care center.
Resources:
CDC, Preventing Tobacco Use Among Young People
Surgeon General's Report on the Health Consequences of Smoking
CDC, Preventing Tobacco Use Among Young People
This article has been adapted by Novartis from content provided by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is providing the article for general information purposes only. Please visit www.CFF.org for the complete and most current version of this article.
