Parental smoking and the risk of childhood asthma.
In order to explore the correlation between parents' smoking habits and bronchial asthma in children, we undertook a cross-sectional study of 3300 (54% males, 46% females) school children aged 7-12 years old. A survey of smoking habits and attitudes conducted in Saudi Arabia showed a positive correlation between parental smoking and asthma. This study showed a significant link between parental smoking and chest wheeze or whistling, cough, and family history of rhinitis. Evidence is accumulating that there is a relationship between parental smoking and respiratory symptoms in Saudi children. The present study results are clear evidence of a definite association between smoking in the home and bronchial asthma in young children, which not only may present immediate problems, but may also be a cause of illness in the future.
Bener
A
A
Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Saudi Arabia.
Al-Frayh Facharzt
A R
AR
Al-Jawadi
T Q
TQ
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*