About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Dads' Smoking Habit may Increase Asthma Risk in Children

by Shirley Johanna on September 30, 2016 at 7:16 PM
Font : A-A+

Dads' Smoking Habit may Increase Asthma Risk in Children

Men who have been smoking since their adolescence may increase the risk of their children to develop asthma, according to a new study.

In the study, the researchers included more than 24,000 children and showed that both a father's early smoking debut and a father's longer smoking duration before conception increased non-allergic early-onset asthma in kids.

Advertisement


"The greatest increased risk for their children having asthma was found for fathers having their smoking debut before age 15. Interestingly, time of quitting before conception was not independently associated with offspring asthma," said Cecilie Svanes, Professor at the University of Bergen, Norway.

Concerning mother's smoking, the research found more offspring asthma if the mother smoked around pregnancy, consistent with previous studies.

However, no effect of maternal smoking only prior to conception was identified. The difference from father's smoking suggests effects through male sperm cells.
Advertisement

"Smoking is known to cause genetic and epigenetic damage to spermatozoa, which are transmissible to offspring and have the potential to induce developmental abnormalities," Svanes added.

It is previously known that nutritional, hormonal and psychological environment provided by the mother permanently alters organ structure, cellular response and gene expression in her offspring. Father's lifestyle and age appear, however, to be reflected in molecules that control gene function.

Svanes and her team also investigated whether parental exposure to welding influenced asthma risk in offspring, with a particular focus on exposures in fathers prior to conception.

The study showed that paternal welding increased offspring asthma risk even if the welding stopped prior to conception. Smoking and welding independently increased offspring asthma risk, and mutual adjustment did not alter the estimates of either.

"For smoking and welding starting after puberty, exposure duration appeared to be the most important determinant for the asthma risk in offspring," the author added.



Source: IANS
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Respiratory Disease News

What Are the Consequences of Tuberculosis, Tobacco Use in Asia Pacific
Increased use of tobacco boosts the risk of catching tuberculosis, heightens the risk of recurrent TB as well, say experts.
Urgent Need to Address Tuberculosis in South Africa
In South Africa, the cases of tuberculosis continue to rise making it as the primary cause of ill health and mortality.
Influenza Treatment: Are Antibiotics Effective?
Among patients with influenza, unnecessary prescription of antibiotics is found to have a significant impact on the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
What Are the Lessons Learned from the Tuberculosis Vaccine Rollout?
India is left with 32 months (2025) to end tuberculosis and Nigeria is left with 92 months (2030) respectively.
 Can New Medtech Help India Fight Tuberculosis?
Globally every year tuberculosis affects more than 10 million people. India contributes to 30% of the global tuberculosis burden.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Dads' Smoking Habit may Increase Asthma Risk in Children Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests