title: [Parental smoking, asthma and wheezing in children and adolescents. Results of S.I.D.R.I.A. Collaborative Group S.I.D.R.I.A (Italian Studies on Respiratory Disorders in Childhood and the Environment)].
abstract: The relationship between passive smoking and asthma in children and adolescents has been extensively debated. Since cigarette smoking is still widespread in many countries, exposure to passive smoking has a considerable public health importance. We present the results from a large survey conducted in Italy in two random samples of 6-7 yr old children and 13-14 yr old adolescents living in ten areas of Northern and Central Italy (S.I.D.R.I.A.). Standardized questionnaires were filled in by parents of children about respiratory health of their children and their smoking habits. Adolescents filled in a questionnaire about their respiratory health whereas parental smoking data were derived from a questionnaire filled in by parents. Three groups of cases were identified: current asthma, past asthma, and wheeze. Healthy children and adolescents were the control groups. In about 52% of the families at least one parent was a current smoker. Exposure to current smoking increased the risk of current asthma in children. Having both parents smokers increased the risk of current asthma and past asthma. The risk among adolescents were slightly lower with an increased risk of current asthma or wheeze when both parents were smokers. A dose related effect was observed as regards current asthma both in children and adolescents and wheeze in adolescents. Maternal smoking during pregnancy increased the risk of having current asthma and wheeze in children. These results confirm the environmental hazards of parental smoking to respiratory health of children and adolescents, and encourage efforts to reduce smoking in families especially during pregnancy and in infancy.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D011247:Pregnancy; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution
vernacular_title: Fumo dei genitori, asma e sibili respiratori in bambini ed adolescenti. I risultati di S.I.D.R.I.A. Gruppo Collaborativo S.I.D.R.I.A. (Studi Italiani sui Disturbi Respiratori nell'Infanzia e l'Ambiente).