“ICanCaRe: A Critical Response to the Increased Risk of Asthma Hospitalization in Children Exposed to Second-hand Smoke”

A pivotal study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reveals a concerning correlation between second-hand smoke exposure and increased hospitalization risks in children with bronchial asthma, particularly following infections like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).[1,2] This underscores the urgency of interventions like the ICanCaRe tobacco cessation program. (www.icancare.in)

Conducted by researchers from Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan, the study examined the impact of second-hand smoke on 2248 children who had a history of RSV infection and 444 children with a history of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection. Among these, 56 children had experienced both infections. The study, which sourced data from the Japan Health Insurance Association database (April 2004 to March 2017), reported that 38% of children with RSV infection, 40% with hMPV infection, and 39% with both infections were exposed to second-hand smoke.

The findings were alarming: hospitalization rates for asthma control were significantly higher in children exposed to second-hand smoke (4.5%) compared to their non-exposed counterparts (2.7%). Furthermore, the diagnosis of bronchial asthma occurred earlier in the exposed group, with a median age of 22 months, as opposed to 25 months in the unexposed group.

For children who developed hMPV infection at 12 months or older, those exposed to second-hand smoke were diagnosed with bronchial asthma at an average age of 33 months, compared to 47 months in non-exposed children. Notably, in children who had hMPV infection before 12 months, there were no hospitalizations in the second-hand smoke group.[2]

The study also highlighted those children with pre-existing bronchial asthma and RSV infection faced a greater risk of hospitalization if exposed to second-hand smoke. The odds ratio (OR) for hospital admission due to asthma exacerbation in these children was 1.69. [2]

The synergy between viral infections like RSV, hMPV, and second-hand smoke exposure in exacerbating bronchial asthma is a critical public health concern. This study not only points to the heightened risk of pediatric asthma but also to the urgent need for protective measures against second-hand smoke exposure.

The ICanCaRe digitalized tobacco cessation program (www.icancare.in) emerges as a beacon of hope in this scenario. By focusing on tobacco cessation and raising awareness about the dangers of second-hand smoke, ICanCaRe is positioned to play a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of pediatric asthma, especially in vulnerable children with a history of RSV or hMPV infections. With the #advicequittobacco campaign, we implore all doctors to ask and advice about tobacco use and quitting and refer them to the ICanCaRe centers for a 100% successful quit program. Call 011-43077695 or write to info@icancare.in and download the ICanCaRe tobacco Wellness APP (http://app.icancare.in)

Through programs like ICanCaRe, there is potential to reduce the onset and severity of pediatric asthma, providing a healthier future for our children as part of the prime campaign #SAVEtheYouth. The findings of this study serve as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of such interventions.

References:

1. Yoshizato R, et al. Secondhand smoking and pediatric asthma after respiratory syncytial virus or human metapneumovirus infection. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2023 Oct 18:S1081-1206(23)01342-X. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.10.013.

2. Stong C. Available at: https://www.pulmonologyadvisor.com/home/topics/lung-infection/secondhand-smoke-rsv-and-pediatric-bronchial-asthma/. Dated Nov. 10, 2023. Accessed on Nov. 14, 2023.

#icancare #asthma #secondhandsmoking #icancareapp