Can someone with asthma who's smoked for most of their teens, successfully quit at age 17? Is there hope for those who started smoking at a young age? I started to smoke at age 11. I'm always coughing and getting winded. I'm scared I'm going to die

Yes, there is definitely hope for someone in your situation to quit smoking successfully and improve your respiratory health. While it may be more challenging for individuals who started smoking at a young age and have asthma, quitting smoking can significantly improve your overall health and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Here are some steps you can take to quit smoking:

Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a support group who can offer encouragement and understanding as you work to quit smoking. You can also consider talking to a healthcare professional who can provide guidance and resources.

Set a Quit Date: Choose a specific date to quit smoking and make a commitment to yourself to stick to it.

Identify Triggers: Pay attention to the situations, emotions, or activities that trigger your desire to smoke, and develop strategies to cope with these triggers without turning to cigarettes.

Find Alternatives: Replace smoking with healthier habits or activities, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with non-smoking friends.

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Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Nicotine replacement products, such as patches, gum, or lozenges, can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings as you quit smoking.

Stay Positive: Quitting smoking is a challenging process, and it's normal to experience setbacks along the way. Be patient with yourself and celebrate each small victory as you progress towards becoming smoke-free.

Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling to quit on your own, consider seeking professional help from a healthcare provider or a smoking cessation program. They can provide personalized support and resources to help you quit successfully.

Remember that quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, especially if you have asthma. By quitting smoking, you can reduce inflammation in your airways, improve your lung function, and decrease your risk of asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. Don't hesitate to reach out for support and guidance as you embark on this journey towards a smoke-free life.