Environmental Tobacco and Asthma Does Environmental Tobacco

Environmental Tobacco and Asthma Does environmental tobacco smoke increase the risk of asthma in children? Smoking is observed as a common habit among uncountable number of people belonging to various countries of the world. It is expected that the number of smokers will rise in the near future because of attractive marketing campaigns run by tobacco companies. There was a time when only men were habitual to smoking. In the modern 21st century, youngsters and girls are also exposed to the thrills of smoking.

People love to smoke despite knowing about its detrimental effects. It is interesting to mention that smoking kills not only the smokers but also the ones who hate it. It is an interesting study that non-smokers are subject to all harmful effects of smoking just because they are present in the environment where people smoke. There is significant relationship between passive smoking and disease and mortality among children.

Since their systems are delicate and immunity is weak, they are the most vulnerable members of society who can encounter the unfavourable influence of smoke hat is present in the environment. They breathe in polluted air at multiple places including their homes and schools, public places like restaurants, special resorts like child care settings etc. Introduction There is nothing more hazardous among children's environmental exposure than the fact that they breathe in the air which is not clean and contaminated because of tobacco smoke.

There is a huge pile of researches, articles and literature available showing links between prenatal maternal smokings, children's environment tobacco smoke exposure and decreased lung growth, increasing malfunction of respiratory systems and other problems related to asthma. These problems may be severe for the individuals if their exposure to smoky environment is high There has been a rapid rise in the number of asthma cases in the Western societies. Though the reasons for asthma vary, but exposure to tobacco constituents continues to be the most common reason.

In the United States, it is reported that the allergic diseases can be ranked as one of the major factors causing chronic diseases which affect approximately 17% people and the healthcare system bears approximately 18 billion USD cost per annum. Children suffering from asthma also have certain sort of allergies and they are involved in respiratory issues that are often the basic reason behind reversible airflow obstruction and chronic lung inflammation. It is also possible that asthma diagnosed in adults is more often non-allergic in nature.

This paper casts light on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and its exposure to individuals which becomes the major cause of asthma among young children. The population under consideration for this paper is particularly the young children, who are supposed to be more prone to these risks. Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Asthma Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) -- or passive smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke -- can be defined as the exposure of a non-smoking person to tobacco constituents from smoking by others.

Since the start of 1980s, many research studies have been conducted to identify the significant relationship between parental smoking, the likelihood to develop asthma and other related respiratory system issues. A research study demonstrated that for the children living in inner parts of the city are more prone to dangerous effects of environmental tobacco. This is the reason, asthma is more commonly found among these children. The research highlights many points which are responsible for development of asthma in young kids.

One of these reasons is the presence of smoker at homes where the children live. In other words, if any of family members is habitual to smoking, the likelihood of asthma increases. It must be considered with caution that the healthcare institutes and the developers of other intervention programs usually ignore this aspect and focus on other reasons of asthma. However, this point must also be considered (Kattan, et al., 1997).

Another study conducted by tested the urine cotinine levels of 199 children to find the links between exposures to environment smoke caused by tobacco in young kids. The median urine cotinine levels of 116 children were found as 5.6 ng per millilitre. It was noticed that many children are victims of asthma because of smoking habits of mother or other persons. The more the exposure was to the environment tobacco smoke; the increased acute exacerbations of asthma were reported.

These exposures were either reported by the parents or were found through the urine cotinine levels. Measurement of urine cotinine levels from this study further assisted in collection of proof that there exists a relationship between asthma (and other respirator issues) and breathing in smoky air. The relationship is particularly valid for young children. The results from the data gathered in this study focus on the need for organised and dedicated efforts to control the exposure of young kids suffering from asthma to environmental tobacco smoke (Chilmonczyk, et al., 1993).

Another study was conducted collecting the sample of 5,762 children who were in the age of school going and used to live in 12 Southern California. The study was conducted to validate the relationship between asthma and mother's smoking habits during pregnancy. The study concluded that the children who live in the company f multiple smokers are more prone to its detrimental impacts as compared to the ones who live with single smoker. Furthermore, if mother smokes during pregnancy, the child is bound to receive the adverse effects.

The study also found out that the smoking habits of women during pregnancy raises the probability that during childhood, asthma with occur (Gilliland, LI, & Peters, 2000). Few researchers conducted a study on the factors of smoke exposure during prenatal and postnatal period and their likely impact on children's health. They concluded that Environment tobacco smoke exposure is the worst exposure for children. Environment tobacco smoke exposures are associated with many physical and mental problems. It is no exaggeration to state that many neurological orders are associated with smoke exposure.

People may behave irrationally, or lose their intelligence. It is also possible that they may find it extremely difficult to quit smoking once they grow as their brought up is in smoky environment. The study also concluded that the independent impact of exposure to smoke during both pre- and postnatal periods is high. There is a respiratory risk associated with parental smoking (DiFranza, Aligne, & Weitzman, 2003). Another study led to the following four conclusions: If mother smokes, the child will definitely have asthma during childhood.

The asthma developed during childhood may prolong for the rest of one's life. Children may get addicted to smoking and start it as soon as they get access to smoking products. If Environment Tobacco Smoke exposure is reduced, it can be instrumental in controlling the number of asthma cases reported in adults and children both. This research concluded that it is essential to reduce the hazardous exposure of children to environment tobacco smoke. In order to reduce childhood exposure, parents have certain responsibilities.

They must be imparted necessary training about its harmful effects of smoking so that they can save their kids from it. This can be done through strong support in family planning and pre-natal health care and at schools (Gilmour, Jaakkola, London, Nel, & Rogers, 2006). Second-hand smoke is the smoke that is mixed in the air through burning end of smoking products like pipe, cigar and cigarette.

It is also called as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and the process of breathing in the air containing second hand smoke is known as passive smoking or involuntary smoking. It means the smoker is not actively involved in using any smoking product but he is exposed to the smoke because of his presence in the contaminated air, hence he is a passive smoker.

The study conducted by concluded following three aspects: Asthma is found as one of the most common chronic childhood diseases that affect at least 7% of school going children. It is difficult to diagnose the symptoms caused by passive smoking which leads to asthma among children. Exposure to passive smoking can cause serious asthma attacks and make its symptoms more severe. The research suggests that exposure to second hand smoke has worsen the conditions for approximately 200,000 to 1,000,000 children with asthma.

This pollutant, that is, environment tobacco smoke, may also cause thousands of children without asthma to develop the condition each year (Hofhuis, Jongste, & Merkus, 2003). Another study was to find the inverse relationship between the rate of asthma and presence of non-smokers. It was found out that these children are less exposed to smoky air and the rate of asthma is low among them.

It was also concluded that among never smokers who did not even have any family member who smokes or used to smoke in the past, the rate of asthma was low. In simple words, the conclusion for the study was that Childhood exposure to Environment Tobacco Smoke is closely related with an increased rate of asthma, even if the individuals are not smokers. The study also showed that the children exposed to Environment Tobacco Smoke are likely to become smokers (Larsson, Frisk, Hallstro-m, Kiviloog, & Lundba-c, 2001).

Another study conducted to determine if environment tobacco smoke has any effect or role in the development of asthma in children was done during 1999 -- 2000 by collecting information from a survey that was conducted in the population of children. The results of asthma symptoms were applied to the sample which was exposed to tobacco smoke. The study helped to determine that there was a strong relationship between smoke exposure and risks of asthma. This relationship was direct and positive.

Almost 15% of the cases having asthma reported the cause as exposure to environment tobacco smoke and smoking during childhood. It caused the expenditure of $1.34 million. The study completely supported the hypothesis of this paper that there is relationship between smoking exposure and asthma regardless of the level of exposure (Sturm, Yeatts, & Loomis, 1999). The same relationship was validated between childhood smoking and asthma. The National Survey on Environmental Management of Asthma and Children's Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (NSEMA/CEE) presented some key findings which are discussed here (U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency, 2004): 11% of children with the age of 6 years and under breath in smoke contaminated air in their homes on a regular basis. By regular basis, the study meant more than 50% time in a week. The ratio was 20% as recorded in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in 1998. The primary entity responsible for children's exposure to smoke is the parents. Almost 90% cases support this fact. Families who do not have high income and high education are more prone to the disastrous effects of smoke exposure.

Children have equal exposure to Environment Tobacco Smoke regardless that they are suffering from asthma or not. Another national survey conducted by U.S. Environmental protection agency resulted into following findings (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1992): Environment Tobacco Smoke exposure is strong related with the risk of infections in lower respiratory tract e.g. bronchitis problems and pneumonia issues.

According to the estimate of The Environmental Protection Agency, among young children and infants, there are almost 300,000 recorded cases on annual basis, whose age is not more than 18 months of age are at risk because of their exposure to Environment Tobacco Smoke. Out of these cases, around 7,500 and 15,000 cases are bound to be admitted in hospitals. Environment Tobacco Smoke exposure also elevates the probability of presence of unhealthy fluid in the human ear. It is considered as a symptom of chronic disease related to middle ear.

Environment Tobacco Smoke exposure in children causes certain disorders in lungs as it imbalances the upper respiratory tract. Environment Tobacco Smoke exposure increases the likelihood that the condition of a patient is worsened if he is exposed to smoke during asthma. The report states that more than 200,000 such cases are reported. Passive smoking is a risk for those who have not reported any asthma related symptom and the ones who have reported it as well.

Another study proves that Exposure to Environment Tobacco Smoke is bound to exalt the probability of hospitalisation because of malfunctioning of respiratory system during infancy. This probability increases if the mothers of infants continue to smoke in the same room here infants are present. This finding is supported by a study carried out on the sample of 4,486 infants. The important findings are as follows.

If mother smokes in the same room where infant is present, however, it is not lying near the mother, there are 56% more chances of asthma than any infant who is in clear air. If mother smokes while holding the baby in arms or lap, the chances of developing asthma increase to 73%. If mother smokes while breastfeeding the baby, the chances are as high as 95%. These findings are clear evidence of close relationship between mother's smoking habits and probability to develop asthma in the infant (Cheraghi & Salvi, 2009).

There are many other diseases which are the result of relationship between mother's smoking habits and development of asthma in the infant. These diseases include lung issues, sometimes leading to lung cancer, habitual exposure to smoke which forces the kids to develop smoking habits when they grow. This habit results is many chronic diseases. Furthermore, respiratory function is altogether on stake along with its various organs (Cheraghi & Salvi, 2009).

Discussing more on the issue of lung impairment, it is important to mention that the relationship between mothers' smoking habits and development of asthma leads to hinder the growth of lung and associated organs. Sometimes, the entire structure of lungs is damaged. Many infections take place in respiratory system (Cheraghi & Salvi, 2009). It must be noted with concern that smoky air is a major threat to immunity system as well.

As infants develop immunity from the breast milk of mother, it must be made sure that the milk is free from dangerous chemicals which can become the part of flesh and blood of mother as a result of her smoking habits. In this way, the immunity of infant is at stake. The environment is full of detrimental chemicals. Poor immunity can lead to serious health hazards for the infants who have not even started their life fully.

There is serious need to take into consideration all these aspects before devising any plan to control the rate of asthma in children. The health practitioners should provide proper coaching classes to parents so that they can give up smoking habits and adhere to the principle of clean breathing for themselves and their children. There are certain children who are born with some health problem because of weak health of their mothers.

These kids are prone to asthma and related mentioned diseases and the only protection they have is their mother's breast milk. So, it is of utmost importance that mother is kept away from smoking and its detrimental effects (Cheraghi & Salvi, 2009). There was another research study that supported the hypothesis that exposure to environment tobacco smoke does increase the risk of development of asthma in the early years of age.

A sample of 199 kids was collected whose ages were between 4 months to 36 months, and they were admitted to hospitals because they were suffering from wheezing bronchitis. The causes of diseases were found in the factors identified in the previous research studies. The children were either breathing in the smoky environment because their one or more family members were smokers, or their mothers had smoking habits during pregnancy or the breast milk was not healthy because of smoking habits of mothers.

It was also concluded that these effects were long-term and the temporal measures can result in no good for the infants when they grow up in exposure to environment tobacco smoke (Rylander, Pershagen, Eriksson, & Bermann, 1995). Another study was conducted to notice the factors which lead to asthma but fall in the controllable domain of authorities responsible for healthcare of individuals. The study tried to find out the possible association between asthma and variables like smoking habits insides the houses. A questionnaire was designed for the population of Cape Town.

The sample included 1,955 kids with the age between 7 and 9 years belonging to 15 different schools (Ehrlic, et al., 1996). The study validated the existence of relationship between household smoking habits and development of asthma. However, the probability of occurrence of this relationship can be controlled. Once again, the study concluded upon the relationship of development of asthma adn mother's smoking habits (Ehrlic, et al., 1996). Yet another research is available to support the view that environment tobacco smoke does cause increased risk of developing asthma in children.

Many programs are developed worldwide to control the air pollution and improve its quality, however, it is still expected that asthma and other respiratory diseases will continue to rise. Many people are confused about the contribution of air quality in the development of asthma and related respiratory diseases. Research shows that there exists significant relationship between air quality and development of asthma and other related diseases. If the air is clean, people may save themselves from many diseases.

This is the reason, deforestation is discouraged all over the world and clean air is considered as the basic right of individuals. Environmental protection is at the top most priority in the 21st century and green and clean programs are initiated everywhere under the patronage of government and many non-governmental organisations. These initiatives, if turn successful can control the unlikely effects of polluted air (Peden, 2005). As mentioned previously that people belonging to lower social class is more prone to exposure to asthma.

The reason may be ignorance of its undesired effects or lack of education to refrain from it. The variable of social class was evaluated in the connection of asthma in a study undertaken in Canada. The questionnaires were designed to collect data from primary school students. The results supported the hypothesis that children brought up in deprived class suffer from asthma more than the ones who live in luxurious homes. An interesting finding was about presence of cat at home.

Children who used to enjoy cat presence had more problems related to asthma as compared to the ones who avoided cats (Ernst, Demissie, Joseph, Locher, & Becklake, 1995). This factor is related to awareness or lack of education as the parents did not forbid the kids to stay with cats. Another survey research was made to check how the children suffering from Asthma are different from those who do not have any respiratory problems.

This study led to the importance of assuring that the exposures to environment tobacco smoke are eliminated and the children are secured from the hazardous exposure. In a study, the factor of students' attendance was linked with asthma and related problems. This study was undertaken to analyse the likely impact of asthma over the performance of kids. 5247 students were conducted in Scottish schools. Out of which 4665 (89%) pupils completely filled questionnaires. Around 12.6% students had missed their classes as they were suffering from asthma.

Asthma not only deprived them from studies but they also stayed away from the playing activities they used to have with their mates (Austin, Selvaraj, Godden, & Russell, 2005). The parents were worried and had to take them to the hospitals. The medical expenditure was increased. It was an extra burden for the family who already had fewer resources to make both ends meet. It is an unlikely situation for the kids, parents, school administration and the healthcare agencies as well.

It can also be said that asthma reduced their quality of life (Austin, Selvaraj, Godden, & Russell, 2005). One more research was conducted in Oslo, Norway. The researchers collected the data bout exposure to smoke at different stage of life of a child. They started from the birth and collected data about the age of 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The last data was collected when the kids was 4 years old. The outcomes were found as the issue of bronchial obstruction experienced when the child was less than 2 years old.

He was prone to asthma when he was 4 years old. The reasons were smoking habits of parents; their exposure to smoke, the exposure of kids to smoke. Certain probability was attributed to the genetic transfer of asthma. The parents suffering from asthma are more likely to give birth to the children who are prone to asthma since birth. If they do not have asthma problem since birth, they are more likely to have it quickly if they breathe in the contaminated air (Jaakkola, Nafstad, & Magnus, 2001).

In 1986, an estimate was made by the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) that most 10 million kids who are under the age of 5 years fall ill because of passive smoking. As mentioned earlier as well, once they are ill, the exposure to smoky air further worsens their health conditions. In the early years of life, when they need maximum protection from germs, they are exposed to contaminated air which mars their quality of life. A comprehensive study was conducted to review the complete health details of children.

This study particularly took into consideration the unlikely impact of smoking and tobacco. It was a detailed study spread over the span of 16 years.