The Influence of Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) by Family Member on Pediatric Asthma

Kim, Ji Young; Kim, Hee Ra; Kim, Hyung Jin; Choung, Ji Tae

Abstract

PURPOSE
Asthma is an important worldwide pediatric public health problem and rapidly increasing prevalence has been reported. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is known to be an important aggravation factor of asthma. The aim of this study was to determine whether ETS exposure is associated with exacerbations of asthma, and therefore to define the possibility of improving illness by cessation of smoking. METHODS: One hundred one (101) asthmatic children who visited and followed up at Korea university hospital pediatric allergy clinic were enrolled. Their chart was reviewed retrospectively and their family members were also interviewed. RESULTS: Sixty nine patients were exposed to ETS and thirty two patients were not exposed. Among exposed group (n=69), fourteen patients were no longer exposed due to cessation of smoking. The difference in the number of hospital admissions between exposed group and non-exposed was statistically significant (P=0.002). But the difference in the number of emergency room visits and PFT value (FEV1, PEFR, FEF25-75%) between the two groups was statistically insignificant. Statistical relationship between the duration of ETS and number of hospital admissions was significant (Pearson Correlation Coefficient=0.243, P=0.015). Comparing current smoking group and smoking cessation group, differences in out-patient clinic follow up period, number of hospital admissions, and number of emergency room visits between the two groups were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: We found that ETS exposure is associated with exacerbations of asthma. Possibility of improving illness by reduction of ETS exposure indicates the significance of education for cessation of smoking.