Association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and wheezing disorders in Austrian preschool children.

QUESTIONS: Passive smoking is a problem in children and adults, but recent studies found the impact to be strongest in the developing foetus and the first years of life. In this cross sectional study we investigated the effect of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on atopic and wheezing disorders in Austrian preschool children.

METHODS

1737 Austrian preschool children participated in a cross sectional questionnaire survey about passive smoking and the impact on wheezy bronchitis, asthma, hay fever and atopic dermatitis.

RESULTS

Up to 46% of the participating children were exposed to ETS at some stage in their life. Children of lower socioeconomic status were at exceptionally risk.ETS exposure during pregnancy resulted in a significantly increased risk for wheezing in the first year of life (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0-2.6), wheezing in the past 12 months (OR 1.5; 95% CI1.0-2.4) and doctor diagnosed asthma (OR 2.1;95% CI 1.0-4.1). Furthermore, breastfeeding and consumption of fruits and vegetables were less common in smoking families.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms previous studies, that in particular prenatal ETS exposure is a risk factor for wheezing and asthma in preschool children. Despite this, children exposed to ETS also live a "less healthier life" in terms of breast feeding and antioxidant intake. In the light of recent studies reporting increased oxidative stress in children exposed to passive smoking, the low intake of fruits and vegetables is a further concern.