Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Secondhand smoke and asthma: what are the effects on healthcare utilization among children?

Yue Jin1, Eric E Seiber, Amy K Ferketich

  • 1The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, Columbus, OH, USA.

Preventive Medicine
|May 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Secondhand smoke exposure significantly increases hospital and emergency department visits for children, especially those with asthma. Reducing exposure can lessen healthcare system burden.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition in children.
  • Secondhand smoke exposure is a known environmental risk factor for respiratory illnesses.
  • Healthcare utilization patterns in children are influenced by various health conditions and exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between asthma, secondhand smoke exposure, and healthcare utilization in a national sample of children.
  • To determine if secondhand smoke exposure exacerbates healthcare needs in children, particularly those with asthma.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 5686 children (aged 0-11 years) using Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (2001, 2006) and National Health Interview Surveys (2000, 2005).
  • Multivariable regression models were employed to assess associations between secondhand smoke exposure, asthma diagnosis, and healthcare utilization metrics (hospitalizations, ED visits, outpatient visits, medication use).

Main Results:

  • Secondhand smoke exposure more than doubled hospitalization odds in children with asthma, with no significant effect in children without asthma.
  • Emergency department visits increased by 37% with secondhand smoke exposure (P<0.001), but outpatient visits and medication use were not significantly associated.
  • Children diagnosed with asthma exhibited higher odds of utilizing all measured healthcare services (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Secondhand smoke exposure is linked to increased hospital and emergency department utilization among children.
  • The impact of secondhand smoke on hospitalizations is significantly amplified in children with asthma.
  • Reducing children's exposure to secondhand smoke is crucial for alleviating healthcare system burdens, particularly for asthmatic children.
Abstract

Keywords:
AsthmaHealth care servicesSecondhand smoke

More Related Videos

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure08:17

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure

Published on: August 25, 2017

Impact Assessment of Repeated Exposure of Organotypic 3D Bronchial and Nasal Tissue Culture Models to Whole Cigarette Smoke09:50

Impact Assessment of Repeated Exposure of Organotypic 3D Bronchial and Nasal Tissue Culture Models to Whole Cigarette Smoke

Published on: February 12, 2015

Related Concept Videos

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-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...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: