The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Volume 121, Issue 2, Supplement 1 , Page S2, February 2008

Effect of Active Smoking on Asthma Symptoms, Pulmonary Function, and Airway Hyper-Responsiveness in Korean Adolescents

  • S. Lee

      Affiliations

    • Hallym University, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
  • ,
  • S. Yoo

      Affiliations

    • Inje University, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
  • ,
  • H. Kim

      Affiliations

    • Inje University, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
  • ,
  • B. Kim

      Affiliations

    • Ulsan University, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
  • ,
  • J. Kim

      Affiliations

    • Ulsan University, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
  • ,
  • B. Kim

      Affiliations

    • Ulsan University, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
  • ,
  • J. Yu

      Affiliations

    • Ulsan University, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
  • ,
  • S. Hong

      Affiliations

    • Ulsan Univertisy, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA

5

Article Outline

 

Back to Article Outline

Rationale 

Active smoking by adults deteriorates asthma symptoms and pulmonary function and also increases bronchial responsiveness, but evidences from studies on adolescents are scare.

Back to Article Outline

Methods 

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1,492 adolescents that involved questionnaires and urinary cotinine levels in 3 urban areas of South Korea. Active smoking was defined as smoking more than 20 cigarettes during last month or urinary cotinine >40 ng/ml. Spirometry, allergy skin test, a bronchial challenge test were done for subpopulation (n = 724, mean age 15.7 yrs, girls 23.2%).

Back to Article Outline

Results 

The prevalence of active smoking was 9.0% in boys and 1.8% in girls. Active smoking was found to be significantly related with the prevalence of current wheeze, ever wheeze and current exercise-induced wheeze. In subgroup analysis, FEV1/FVC in active smokers was lower than nonsmokers (p = 0.027). Urinary cotinine showed negative correlation with serum IgE (r = −0.290, p = 0.032) and positive correlation with PC20 (r = 0.259, p = 0.056) among those who reported wheeze during the last 12 months. In a multiple logistic regression model, active smoking was a significant risk factor for wheeze ever (OR = 2.023, 95% CI 1.222-3.348). Active smoking in non-atopic subjects was associated with increased prevalence of current wheezing (OR = 4.02, 95% CI 1.417-11.407), current exercise-induced wheezing (OR = 23.120, 95% CI 2.074-257.7) and current asthma treatment (OR = 5.424 95% CI 2.100-14.007).

Back to Article Outline

Conclusions 

Active smoking may be associated with current wheeze, current exercise-induced wheeze and deterioration of pulmonary function in Korean adolescent population. Active smoking in non-atopic subjects may play a role in the development of asthma symptom.

PII: S0091-6749(07)02438-4

doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2007.12.010

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Volume 121, Issue 2, Supplement 1 , Page S2, February 2008