Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 22, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
09:58

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice

Published on: April 13, 2010

Influence of smoking on asthmatic symptoms and allergen sensitisation in early childhood

S M Tariq1, E A Hakim, S M Matthews

  • 1David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5TG, UK.

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|November 4, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is linked to childhood asthma symptoms, but not allergen sensitization. This association was primarily observed in children with asthma but no allergies, and diminished by age four.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood asthma development is influenced by early life environmental factors beyond genetics.
  • Maternal smoking is a suspected contributor to asthma symptoms, yet its role in allergen sensitization remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of maternal smoking on the development of asthma and allergen sensitization in children.
  • To assess the long-term effects of maternal smoking exposure on respiratory health outcomes in offspring.

Main Methods:

  • A birth cohort study followed 1218 children to age 4 years.
  • Maternal smoking history was recorded, and children underwent skin prick testing for allergens.
  • Statistical analysis assessed the association between maternal smoking and asthma development and sensitization.

Main Results:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with low birth weight and shorter breastfeeding duration.
  • Asthma symptoms at age 2 were linked to maternal smoking, but this association faded by age 4.
  • Maternal smoking was a risk factor for asthma in children with negative skin prick tests, but did not increase overall allergen sensitization.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal smoking may contribute to asthma symptoms in early childhood, particularly in non-allergic children.
  • Maternal smoking does not appear to increase the risk of developing allergen sensitization by age 4.
  • Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms linking maternal smoking to childhood asthma.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing13:28

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing

Published on: December 17, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...