Smoking and asthma in 20-44-year-old adults in Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran.

To investigate the prevalence of smoking, asthma and asthma-related symptoms in relation to age, sex and smoking behaviour in Urmia, we carried out a cross-sectional study in 2004 using the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease questionnaire, which includes some questions on smoking. We surveyed 2987 adults aged 20-44 years. Prevalence of wheeze, breathlessness with wheezing, asthma attack, use of asthma medication and nasal allergy were 4.8%, 3.3%, 1.2%, 1.1%, and 16.0% respectively. Current smokers comprised 16.4% of participants. Prevalence of asthma symptoms was significantly greater in smokers than non-smokers. Rates for asthma diagnosis and asthma medication were lower than the European Community Respiratory Health Survey median.