Parental Smoking and the Risk of Childhood Asthma

Abstract

In order to explore the correlation between parents' smoking habits and bronchial asthma in children, we undertook a cross-sectional study of 3300 (54% males, 46% females) school children aged 7-12 years old. A survey of smoking habits and attitudes conducted in Saudi Arabia showed a positive correlation between parental smoking and asthma. This study showed a significant link between parental smoking and chest wheeze or whistling, cough, and family history of rhinitis. Evidence is accumulating that there is a relationship between parental smoking and respiratory symptoms in Saudi children. The present study results are clear evidence of a definite association between smoking in the home and bronchial asthma in young children, which not only may present immediate problems, but may also be a cause of illness in the future.