Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System
06:07

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System

Published on: October 22, 2020

Environmental tobacco smoke exposure as a risk factor for infections in infancy

F Ladomenou1, A Kafatos, E Galanakis

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Crete, Crete, Greece.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in infants increases infection frequency and hospitalizations. Exclusive breastfeeding offers protection against these harmful effects, highlighting ETS as a preventable risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Environmental Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure is a significant concern for infant health.
  • Understanding the impact of parental smoking on common infantile infections is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and the frequency and severity of common infections in infants.
  • To identify factors that may modify the effects of ETS on infant health.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective observational study involving 926 infants.
  • Parental smoking habits were recorded at 1 and 9 months postpartum.
  • Infantile infectious episodes were systematically recorded at multiple time points up to 12 months postpartum.

Main Results:

  • Infants exposed to ETS showed a significantly increased frequency of total infectious episodes (p = 0.025) and hospitalizations for infection (p = 0.007).
  • Factors such as birth season (autumn) and presence of siblings exacerbated infection rates in ETS-exposed infants.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding demonstrated a protective effect against ETS-related infections, hospital admissions, and thrush.

Conclusions:

  • Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has a detrimental effect on infant health, increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • The impact of ETS can be modulated by other environmental and protective factors, such as breastfeeding.
  • ETS represents a modifiable risk factor that should be addressed to improve infant health outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Isolation of Mouse Respiratory Epithelial Cells and Exposure to Experimental Cigarette Smoke at Air Liquid Interface10:47

Isolation of Mouse Respiratory Epithelial Cells and Exposure to Experimental Cigarette Smoke at Air Liquid Interface

Published on: February 21, 2011

Studying Effects of Cigarette Smoke on Pseudomonas Infection in Lung Epithelial Cells09:15

Studying Effects of Cigarette Smoke on Pseudomonas Infection in Lung Epithelial Cells

Published on: May 11, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment01:25

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment

Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...