While it has been suggested that second-hand factors in asthma, such as environmental exposures to pets and tobacco smoke, impact disease control, a study conducted by investigators at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital suggests otherwise, according to a story in MD Magazine.
The study, Impact of Environmental Exposures (Second-hand Smoking and/or Pets) on Long-Term Asthma Control in Children was presented at the 2018 Annual CHEST Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, US.
In their three-year prospective cohort study, the team of investigators sought to evaluate the impact of environmental exposures in asthma control among children whose asthma is managed per National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines.
Ultimately, 395 children aged 2-17 years were included in the sample, with the majority of children having a diagnosis of either mild persistent asthma or moderate persistent asthma.
In 98 (25 percent) of the children, exposure to second-hand smoke was documented, while exposure to a pet (cat or dog at home) was recorded in 215 (55 percent) children.
Among the children with or without pet exposure or with or without second-hand tobacco exposure, no significant difference in demographics was recorded.
By 3-6 month follow-up visits, acute care need scores were said to have improved significantly, and throughout the thee-year follow-up, improvements persisted.
Covariation was measured through the inclusion of the two measured environmental exposures (second-hand cigarette smoke and/or animal exposure, such as cats and dogs).
From baseline, significant improvements were observed in both groups, which persisted throughout the three-year follow-up.
In asthma improvement over time, environmental exposures to second-hand smoke or animals were not significant covariates.
From their data, the study authors concluded that environmental exposures to pets or second-hand smoke were not significant factors in overall asthma improvement over time once asthma guidelines were followed. Consequently, the team ruled better asthma control over time required compliance with asthma guidelines.
Smoke, pets little danger
