Introduction
Smoking during pregnancy has been consistently shown in research to be associated with asthma in children and adolescents. It has also been shown that if we prevent mother’s exposure to smoke during pregnancy, then it definitely reduces risk of developing asthma in their child. In fact this is the single risk factor that can prevent asthma. Other measures to prevent asthma have not been shown to be successful. Exclusive breastfeeding is the only other measure that helps in preventing asthma in children. People may think that avoidance of allergen will help, however research shows that it has only limited benefit.
How many pregnant females smoke?
Studies have also revealed that many new cases of asthma due to increased smoking of mother are being observed. Not just asthma but other respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have also shown corelation with mother’s exposure to smoke during pregnancy. Various studies have revealed that as many as 17 to 35 percent women smoke during pregnancy, and this number may be under-reported because of social stigma associated with smoking in females. Many factors are held responsible for increased smoking among females in some communities like single mothers, low socio-economic background, low social support, etc.
How many children are affected by asthma?
World Allergy Organisation recently mentioned in a statement that number of people affected by asthma and allergy have recently increased dramatically in the world. They also suggested that environmental changes like air pollution are responsible for this increase. Smoke is a significant source of indoor air pollution. Ask A Doctor if you need medical assistance for quiting smoking exposure during pregnancy.
Why cigarette smoke is hazardous during pregnancy?
Cigarette smoke has >250 toxic substances and many of them are known to induce cancer. Moreover nicotine in cigarette is highly addictive and females are not able to quit smoking during pregnancy. This nicotine and other toxic substances enter into baby’s blood very easily. These substances are responsible for asthma, and other health conditions in child. Nicotine has hsown to disrupt the structural development of baby’s lungs, reduced alveoli formation, low collagen formation and low forced expiratory flow later-on after birth.
Regular consultation with an obstetrician during pregnancy to get rid of the smoking habit.