Abstract

Although evidence-based asthma guidelines report passive smoke exposure as one of the triggers of asthma symptoms and exacerbations, its prevelance is still high among children with asthma especially in those coming from low income families. Passive smoke exposure affects different aspects of asthma control not only diurnal and nocturnal symptoms and exacerbations but also rescue medication use and lung functions as well as bronchial hyperreactivity, school absenteeism and quality of life. Immediate effects of passive smoke exposure in all these asthma parameters seem to be additive to those of chronic exposure. Smoking cessation interventions therefore play a pivotal role for a better asthma control.

Keywords: Asthma, children, environmental tobacco smoke, exacerbation, lung function