Determining Carboxyhaemoglobin levels in Children with Asthma and Recurrent Wheezing in Relation to Exposure to Second-hand Smoking and Solid fuel

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to see association of exposure to solid fuel for cooking and second-hand smoking
(SHS) with asthma and recurrent wheezing in children. Carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels were also estimated
levels in these children and their relation to exposure to solid fuels and SHS was assessed.
Methods: The study enrolled 124 children in two groups; 72(58.1%) in Group 1 with asthma/recurrent wheezing
and 52(41.9%) in Group 2 as controls. Exposure to SHS and solid fuel were assessed using a simple questionnaire
in both the groups. COHb levels were estimated non-invasively and it’s relation to demographic variables,
occurrence of asthma, exposure to SHS and solid fuel was estimated.
Conclusion: The study reported significant association of SHS and use of solid fuel among children with asthma
and recurrent wheezing seen in 26(36.2%) and 26(36.2%) respectively. The study showed that COHb levels were
greatly elevated among children with asthma and wheezing conditions (5.45%) as compared to controls (2.95%).
The study showed association of COHb levels with use of SHS and solid fuel exposure which were found to
be (5.31%, 5.98%) respectively, thus emphasizing the need for interventions to reduce these potential sources of
carbon monoxide exposure.