Abstract:
Objective
To explore the impact of environmental tobacco smoke on control of pediatric asthma.
Methods
A total of 80 children with mild to moderate bronchial asthma, who were first diagnosed in Changshu TCM Hospital from Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2012,were divided into two groups: no-exposure group(no smokers in the family, and visitors stopped smoking at their house,38 children),and exposure group(there were family members who smoked in their house,42 children).These children received standardized treatment after being diagnosed according to the Guideline to Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Bronchial Asthma. They were required to visit doctors respectively at one month,3 months and 6 months after first diagnosis, and complete the questionnaire of child asthma control test(C-ACT).Compare the C-ACT scores between the two groups after 6 months of treatment.
Results
The complete control rate of exposure group was 47.6%(20/42) after 6 months of treatment, significantly lower than that of no-exposure group(76.3%，29/38)，the difference being statistical(P<0.05).
Conclusion
Environmental tobacco smoke has a significant impact on pediatric asthma control. Avoiding exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is the key to the prevention and cure of pediatric asthma.

Key words: Asthma, Tobacco smoke exposure, Child