Public smoking bans have become more and more common throughout the world over the past decade. Most U.S. airlines no longer allow smoking on planes and many restaurants throughout the U.S. now ban smoking. Slower to follow have been bars, both here and in the U.K.

However, in July of this year, the U.K. did pass a law banning smoking in English pubs and restaurants. A survey was recently conducted on behalf of Asthma UK, Action on Smoking and Health, and the British Thoracic Society to see if the ban had had any positive effects.

The results showed that people who have asthma feel less worried about suffering an asthma attack in English pubs and restaurants now with the ban. Another side benefit is that a significant number of smokers, including those who have asthma, have used the ban as a reason to quit smoking.

I know I have been loving the fact that smoking is becoming less and less common in enclosed public spaces in recent years as tobacco smoke really sets off my asthma symptoms. Not only is it more pleasant to be able to enjoy eating without cigarette smoke wafting into my face, but now I no longer have to worry as much about wheezing and coughing while I'm out. Hope you're finding the same.

More: Quitting Smoking for Asthma | More on This Survey