Teens With Asthma More Likely To Smoke, Study Finds

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Cigarette smoking is bad for the lungs. All you have to do is take a look at long time smokers and notice the damage that can occur to the ability to breathe. That is why a new report is so concerning. Teens with asthma are more than twice as likely to start smoking cigarettes as teens without asthma.

It gets worse. They also are more likely to get hooked on cigarettes.

According to the study, smoking decreased their anxiety and stress.

The report was presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting.