Influência do fumo passivo no histórico de asma e da idade no pico de fluxo expiratório em escolares de uma escola da rede municipal de Santa Cruz do Sul.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the influence of secondhand smoke on asthma history and age at peak expiratory flow in schoolchildren from a municipal school in Santa Cruz do Sul. Methods: A exploratory observational study evaluated 22 participants through a questionnaire for asthmatics and specific questionnaire answered by the parents or guardians. The peak expiratory flow, with peak flow meter, in sitting, during three attempts of forced expiration in the first second. Data expressed in frequency, mean and standard deviation. To assess the influence of secondhand smoke on asthma history, the chi-square test (p <0.005) was performed. Results: We evaluated 22 individuals with a predominance of females (65,2%), adolescents (65,2%), normal Body Mass Index (47,8%), passive smoking of the schoolchildren (56,5%) and severe respiratory compromise (36,4%). When stratifying the sample in a group of children (n=7) and adolescents (n=15), found a significant difference in Body Mass Index (children 161,85±58,01 vs adolescents 310,40±88,46 p=0.001). When we compared the history of asthma at birth and the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood vs secondhand smoke, we found a significant difference (p=0.046). Conclusion: Secondhand smoke alone does not have a negative impact on children's asthma history. Adolescents present higher Body Mass Index values and less airway obstruction when compared to children.