Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death in Canada. And while many Canadians are aware of the general risks, fewer realize just how much smoking can impact existing respiratory, cardiac, and sleep-related conditions.
At Advanced Respiratory Care Network (ARC Network), we see firsthand how smoking affects breathing, disrupts sleep, and increases the severity of chronic diseases like asthma, COPD, and heart disease.
Whether you’re a long-time smoker, a casual user, or someone looking to support a loved one, this article will help you understand the real impacts of smoking and why quitting can be one of the best decisions for your health.
What Does Smoking Do to Your Body?
Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known to cause cancer or damage your heart and lungs. These chemicals affect nearly every part of your body, but they’re especially harmful to your airways, cardiovascular system, and immune response.
Short-Term Effects of Smoking Include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Decreased oxygen levels in the blood
- Irritation of the eyes, throat, and airways
- Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
Long-Term Effects of Smoking Include:
- Chronic lung diseases like COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis
- Increased risk of lung, throat, and oral cancers
- Coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes
- Impaired lung growth and function
- Weakening of the immune system
Smoking + Respiratory Conditions: A Risky Combination
If you already live with a respiratory condition, smoking doesn’t just add risk — it can worsen your symptoms and accelerate disease progression. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Smoking and Asthma
- Tobacco smoke is a powerful asthma trigger, increasing inflammation and tightening airways.
- It leads to more frequent and severe asthma attacks.
- Children with asthma exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to experience hospitalizations and poor lung development.
2. Smoking and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Smoking is the number one cause of COPD in Canada.
- It permanently damages lung tissue, making it harder to breathe.
- Continued smoking with COPD can lead to more frequent exacerbations, faster lung decline, and greater reliance on oxygen therapy.
3. Smoking and Sleep Apnea
- Smoking increases upper airway inflammation and fluid retention, making obstructive sleep apnea worse.
- Smokers are more likely to suffer from poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and snoring.
- Nicotine also acts as a stimulant, disrupting sleep patterns.
4. Smoking and Allergies
- Tobacco smoke irritates mucous membranes, making allergy symptoms more intense and longer-lasting.
- It reduces your ability to fight off allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mould.
- Secondhand smoke exposure in children can lead to chronic sinus infections and allergic rhinitis.
Why Quitting Smoking Is Worth It
The good news? It’s never too late to quit. Whether you’ve been smoking for 6 months or 60 years, your body begins to heal the moment you stop.
Health Benefits of Quitting — By the Numbers:
Within 20 minutes:
- Heart rate and blood pressure start to return to normal.
Within 8 hours:
- Carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop, and oxygen levels improve.
Within 48–72 hours:
- Breathing becomes easier.
- Lung capacity begins to increase.
- Nicotine is fully eliminated from the body.
Within 1–9 months:
- Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
- Lungs start to regain normal function.
After 1 year:
- Risk of heart disease drops by 50%.
After 5–10 years:
- Stroke and lung cancer risks begin to fall significantly.
Quitting smoking also improves your sleep quality, energy levels, skin appearance, and sense of taste and smell. For those with chronic conditions, it can mean fewer flare-ups, less medication, and better overall quality of life.
Tips to Help You Quit Smoking
Quitting isn’t easy — but it is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. There are many tools and resources available to support you.
1. Set a Quit Date
Choose a specific day to quit and mark it on your calendar. Give yourself time to prepare and gather support.
2. Identify Your Triggers
Think about what makes you reach for a cigarette. Is it stress? Coffee? Driving? Once you know your triggers, you can create healthier habits to replace them.
3. Use Support Tools
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Gum, patches, lozenges, or inhalers can reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Prescription medications: Talk to your doctor about options like bupropion or varenicline.
- Quitlines and apps: Free programs like Smokers’ Helpline (Ontario) offer text and phone support.
4. Create a Support System
Tell your friends, family, or coworkers about your plan. Having people to encourage you makes a big difference.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Every smoke-free day is a victory. Track your progress, reward yourself, and remember why you started.
How ARC Network Supports You Through the Process
At Advanced Respiratory Care Network, we understand how hard it can be to quit smoking — especially if you’re dealing with asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or allergy symptoms.
Here’s how we can help:
Respiratory Care
- Pulmonary function testing
- Oxygen therapy and breathing assessments
- COPD and asthma education and monitoring
Sleep Support
- Sleep studies for those affected by snoring or disrupted breathing
- CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, including equipment guidance for former smokers
Allergy & Sinus Care
- Identification and treatment of smoke-related allergic reactions
- Advice on improving air quality and sinus health after quitting
Cardiac Monitoring
- Blood pressure monitoring and cardiac assessments for those at risk
- Helping you lower your risk of heart attack and stroke as you recover
You Don’t Have to Quit Alone — We’re Here to Help
Quitting smoking is a journey, but it’s one that comes with incredible rewards for your lungs, heart, and entire body. Whether you’re ready to quit today or just thinking about it, ARC Network is here to support you every step of the way.
Breathe easier. Sleep better. Live healthier. Let’s get started — together.