The effect of passive smoking on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in children in Braga

Abstract

Aim: Assessment of smoking behaviours at home and their influence on respiratory symptoms, diseases and pulmonary function in children between 8 and 10 years old. Methods: Observational cross-sectional analytical study. Population: children ranging from 8 to 10 years old, belonging to Bragas primary schools. In this study parents or guardians answered a questionnaire on their smoking behaviours and their childrens respiratory health. Childrens pulmonary function was measured spirometrically, including FEV1, FVC, FEF25, FEF50, FEF25-75 and FEV1/FVC parameters. Results: Of the 105 children screened, 47,6% have, at least, one family member presently smoking. In the group of children with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, 87,5% presents cough and sputum, 53,8% have, at least, one symptom of asthma and 69,0% have symptoms of rhinitis. Among the patients with physician-diagnosed bronchitis, asthma and rhinitis, 100%, 33,3% and 72,7% have history of tobacco exposure, respectively. The comparison between children never exposed and exposed to tobacco smoke in their home shows that the latter group have lower values of FEV1, FEF25, FEF50, FEF25-75 and FEV1/FVC; these parameters also present a decreasing tendency with the increase of environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Conclusions: Environmental tobacco smoke is a serious and substantial public health concern, with particular impact on respiratory health of children. Therefore, it is crucial to develop strategies in order to minimize the childrens involuntary exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. These efforts should focus on parents instruction and their commitment with health promotion and education.