Secondhand smoke exposure in children with chronic lung disease

Tobacco smoke is a commonly encountered air pollutant linked to chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer in non- smokers. Non-smokers are exposed to tobacco smoke through secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. Children are the most vulnerable population who are afflicted by SHS. Nationally, more than 18% of 3 to 11 year olds live with a smoker. More than 50% of children in the U.S. are exposed to second hand smoke. Children between the ages of 3 to 11 years have the highest levels of SHS exposure (60.5%), likely because they spend a majority of their time in close proximity to a smoking caregiver. In epidemiological studies, SHS exposure decreases lung growth and increases the incidence of sudden infant death, respiratory illness, middle-ear disease, wheezing, and asthma. Children with chronic lung disease are a particularly vulnerable population who are significantly affected by SHS. For example, children with asthma and cystic fibrosis are negatively impacted by SHS. Asthma is the most common childhood chronic illness, affecting 9.6% of youth in the U.S. SHS exposure in children with asthma is related to increased frequency and severity of asthma and asthma exacerbations. Similarly, children with cystic fibrosis who are exposed to SHS have an increased number of pulmonary exacerbation and hospitalizations. This chapter will address the impact of SHS on children with chronic lung disease, and interventions health care workers can implement to decrease SHS exposure in these children.

Duke Scholars

Author Mai ElMallah Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine