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Exposure to secondhand smoke increases hospitalizations in children with asthma
Children with asthma who were exposed to secondhand smoke were more likely to be hospitalized for asthma-related issues and have reduced pulmonary function than children with asthma not exposed to secondhand smoke, a recent study reported.
“This systematic review … shows a nearly twofold increase in risk of hospitalization for an asthma exacerbation in children with asthma and secondhand smoke exposure,” Zhen Wang, PhD, of the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, and colleagues wrote. “This is the first time this risk has been quantified and will enable health care providers to convey the harmful effects of secondhand smoke to parents about aggravation of asthma.”
The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of data to determine the associations between the severity of asthma-related adverse events and secondhand smoke in children. Included studies contained data on secondhand smoke exposure, hospitalization outcomes, pulmonary testing and severity of asthma.
Hospitalization was more than twice as likely to occur in children with asthma who were exposed to secondhand smoke (OR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.2-2.86). Visits to urgent care and the ED also were more likely in children who were exposed to secondhand smoke (OR =1.66; 95% CI, 1.02-2.69). The researchers said the likelihood of wheezing was increased (OR = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.24-1.41); however, no significant difference in frequency of asthma exacerbation was found.
In pulmonary function testing, children with asthma who were exposed to secondhand smoke had a poorer ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (OR = –3.34; 95% CI, –5.35 to –1.33) than patients not exposed to secondhand smoke.
“Assessment of secondhand smoke should be an integral part of asthma care in children,” Wang wrote. “This will help address and eliminate modifiable risk factors and improve the overall health of children with asthma.” – by David Costill
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
