ALS and smoking
Fact-checked by Smoking is a risk factor for developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and can worsen symptoms for those already living with the disease.
While ALS is progressive, quitting smoking can offer real benefits, including a lower risk of lung infections and a slower decline in breathing function.
Understanding how smoking affects ALS is an important step in protecting lung and muscle health and supporting your overall well-being.
Smoking and ALS risk
Studies show that smoking can raise the risk of ALS by as much as 12% to 28%, with current smokers having a greater risk than past smokers. This connection may come from the way cigarette smoke damages nerve cells and creates cellular stress, making the body more vulnerable to ALS.
Women face increased odds, with one review study showing that smokers had up to a 25% higher likelihood of developing ALS than women who never smoked. A significant association between smoking and ALS risk was not observed in men, however.
In addition to this increased risk of ALS among women who smoke, research suggests these women may also experience bulbar-onset ALS more often, a form that brings problems with breathing and swallowing early in the disease course.
Smoking while living with ALS
ALS weakens the muscles needed for breathing and swallowing. When someone with ALS smokes, it puts additional strain on the lungs and accelerates the decline in breathing function.
Damage to the lungs and lung diseases caused by smoking can cause ALS symptoms to progress faster and make ALS outcomes worse.
What you can do for your health
Maintaining lung health is a key part of living with ALS. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to protect your health.
First, consider quitting smoking. Quitting smoking may reduce the risk of lung complications, such as pneumonia and severe breathing issues.
When it comes to quitting, you don’t have to tackle it alone. Look into:
- joining smoking cessation programs or counseling services designed for people with neurological or lung conditions
- talking with your care providers about prescription medications that may reduce cravings
- trying nicotine replacement options such as patches, gum, or lozenges to ease withdrawal symptoms
In addition to quitting smoking, building healthy routines can also make a difference:
- Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods.
- Engage in regular, gentle exercise that’s approved by your ALS care team.
- Avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible.
Finally, remember that support matters. Encourage family and friends to join in on healthy lifestyle changes to build a supportive home environment. And connect with ALS support groups and online communities to make the process more manageable and encouraging.
Supporting someone with ALS who smokes
Quitting smoking is one of the best things a person living with ALS can do for their health, but it can be tough to change long-standing habits.
As a caregiver, you can offer support by encouraging progress without judgment, listening to their fears or frustrations, and celebrating small victories along the way. It’s also important to care for your own well-being. Seeking support through caregiver groups or counseling can help.
By providing understanding and encouragement, caregivers can help loved ones make healthier choices that protect lung and muscle function, ultimately supporting a better quality of life with ALS.
ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
