It is "okay" to smoke in a home with a child who has asthma, as long as the child is in another room.

REALITY:
Smoke signals trouble

Tobacco smoke — either first- or second-hand—is a very strong trigger of asthma symptoms. The harmful effects of just one cigarette can linger in your home for as long as 7 days.

A smoke-free environment is vital for children, particularly for those with asthma. Some healthcare providers consider smoking near a child who has asthma to be a form of child abuse.

Second-hand smoke affects the lungs. It has been shown that children with asthma who are exposed to cigarette smoke in the home are more likely to develop respiratory problems and to miss school.

Second-hand smoke will likely cause your child to have more frequent and severe asthma symptoms. Your child may have to take more medication, and his or her asthma may become harder to manage. Quite simply, children should not be exposed to second-hand smoke.