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Published on: August 25, 2014

The effects of antenatal smoking on lung function and respiratory symptoms in infants and children

Anthony D Milner1, Harish Rao, Anne Greenough

  • 1Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC-Asthma Centre, King's College London, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK.

Early Human Development
|September 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Antenatal smoking exposure significantly increases respiratory issues and abnormal lung function in children. Evidence shows it leads to wheezing, asthma, and altered airway development, impacting infant respiratory health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Environmental Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Antenatal smoking exposure is a known risk factor for adverse infant and child respiratory outcomes.
  • Previous studies indicate links to wheezing, asthma, and reduced lung function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on the impact of antenatal smoking on infant and child respiratory health and lung function.
  • To analyze the effects on airway development and bronchial reactivity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological studies on respiratory symptoms and lung function in children exposed to smoking in utero.
  • Analysis of animal model data regarding nicotine exposure and lung development.
  • Examination of infant pulmonary function testing results.

Main Results:

  • Consistent evidence links antenatal smoking to increased respiratory symptoms like wheezing and asthma.
  • Lung function tests show reduced airway function and altered airway morphology in exposed children.
  • Animal models demonstrate pulmonary hypoplasia and altered alveolar development; infant lung volume unaffected beyond somatic growth effects.

Conclusions:

  • Antenatal smoking exposure adversely affects infant airway development, leading to respiratory problems.
  • While lung volume may not be directly impacted, airway function is compromised.
  • No evidence suggests increased bronchial hyperreactivity; a diminished response to bronchodilators/constrictors is observed.

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