WHO releases new tobacco and asthma knowledge summary

This is a photo of two young, women sitting next together. One is exhaling cigarette smoke and the other is coughing from exposure to second-hand smoke.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a new knowledge summary focused on the critical relationship between tobacco use and asthma. The summary, “Tobacco and Asthma,” sheds light on the significant health impacts of tobacco use on individuals with asthma and emphasizes the need for comprehensive tobacco control measures.

The knowledge summary highlights several key insights, including:

  • Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have smaller lungs and an increased risk of developing asthma during childhood.
  • Children exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke are at higher risk of developing asthma. 

Therefore, pregnant women and parents should receive targeted support to quit tobacco use to protect their children from asthma and other respiratory conditions.

“Protecting individuals with asthma from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke is crucial to reducing the burden of asthma,” said Vinayak Mohan Prasad, MBBS, MBA, head of the No Tobacco unit at WHO. “We aim to support communities and governments in implementing effective tobacco control policies that safeguard public health and improve the quality of life for those affected by asthma.” 

According to the knowledge summary, smoking during adolescence and adulthood increases the risk of developing asthma and exacerbates the condition. For people living with asthma, smoking worsens symptoms and can make treatment with medications less effective. Additionally, second-hand smoke exposure presents significant risks for people with asthma, increasing the likelihood of asthma attacks and complicating asthma management. Avoiding second-hand smoke exposure is essential for the prevention and management of respiratory diseases, especially asthma.

The summary also addresses the risks associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Like conventional tobacco products, e-cigarettes and other nicotine-delivery devices carry similar risks, potentially worsening asthma symptoms and increasing the likelihood of respiratory issues.

WHO emphasizes the importance of implementing effective tobacco control measures to protect all individuals, particularly those vulnerable to asthma. Key recommendations include enforcing policies that make all indoor public places, workplaces and public transport smoke-free, providing comprehensive cessation support, including brief advice, toll-free quit lines and pharmacological interventions, and raising awareness about the risks of smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, particularly among pregnant women and parents.

Because the tobacco and nicotine industries market their products, including targeting children, adolescents and young adults, WHO actively employs robust regulatory measures, including comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, to protect youth from the harmful effects of the substance.  

WHO’s latest knowledge summary is the ninth in a series of Tobacco Knowledge Summaries. The report was prepared by WHO in collaboration with the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, the Global Initiative for Asthma and the University of Tasmania.

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