Tobacco Smoke Ups Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Active smoking, and combined childhood and adulthood exposure to environmental tobacco smoke are associated with significantly higher odds of developing aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, according to a study published in the January issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Active smoking, and combined childhood and adulthood exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) are associated with significantly higher odds of developing aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), according to a study published in the January issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Jinny E. Chang, M.D., from the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, Calif., and colleagues investigated whether exposure to active smoke or ETS was associated with an increased risk of developing AERD. In a case-control study, data were collected from 260 patients with AERD, and their respective asymptomatic spouses (matched controls). The association of AERD with active smoking and ETS was analyzed through multiple logistic regression analysis, and adjusted for age, gender, and location of childhood residence.

The investigators found that, compared with controls, AERD case patients were significantly more likely to have ever actively smoked (odds ratio [OR], 1.54). Childhood ETS exposure and AERD were significantly correlated (OR, 3.46). ETS exposure during both childhood and adulthood was significantly associated with AERD (OR, 5.09). However, there was no significant association between ETS exposure only during adulthood and AERD (OR, 1.60; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.75 to 3.40).

"Active smoking and childhood ETS exposure are associated with increased odds of developing AERD. In particular, combined childhood and adulthood exposure had major effects. This study suggests that ETS is at least one contributor to the syndrome of AERD," the authors write.

Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

---

Previous: Psoriasis Pathogenesis Involves Dermal Dendritic Cells

Next: Gene-Ligand System Positively Associated With Human Obesity

---

Reader comments on this article are listed below. Review our comments policy.

---

Submit your opinion: