<human>: I have a question in regards to my asthmaIm 26 y/o. I was diagnosed with asthma about four years ago. I developed asthma right after I stoped smoking. I have been with my current partner for about the same time, almost five years and he is a smoker. I have noticed that sometimes I get asthma episodes and/or attacks after I kiss him. Now, he does not smoke around me, and I never kiss him after he smokes. What are the chances that my asthma worsens by kissing him? What are the effects of his smoking in me? Im very concerned because my asthma seems to worsen even if I take all my medication and follow up with every treatment.Thank you.
<bot>: Hello, It's been 4 years that you have been diagnosed with asthma, for which you taking meds already, we need to consider few points first:As you know that asthma needs a trigger, which could be anything for example smoke, pollen, hay, animal fur, dust etc. when exposed to these it triggers a bronchospasm and an asthmatic attack occurs. So, as you said your partner smokes though not in front of you or around you, but he does smoke, that smoke is still present in his breath, his clothes and body and It's enough to trigger an attack anytime. I hope you both are aware about the ill effects of passive smoking, they are almost equivalent to active smoking. I would advise requesting your partner to think about quitting smoke because it's harmful for you and obviously for him in the long run. The medications that you take will also have a slower effect if smoking continues. I would also suggest you to book an appointment with your treating doctor and review your current medications maybe he/she might want to alter some to help you for a better control. I would also request you to keep a check of your Peak flow which is basically the maximum air that you breathe out in one breath and accordingly modify your inhaler doses. You should also indulge in some physical activities like brisk walking or jogging which will help maintain a good lung capacity, ask your doctor about breathing exercises, they also help in maintaining a good lung function. Prevention is always better than cure, so you both should meet your doctor and help your partner quit smoking which is beneficial for both. Asthma can be a very debilitating illness and you both are young, so you can check it at an early stage and keep good health. If you have further queries you can get back to me, am always here to help. Take care keep healthy.