Association between passive smoking and community-acquired pneumonia among the adult population

Abstract

Introduction Exposure to passive smoking emerges as a significant risk for developing respiratory infections especially community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This study was designed to assess the effect of passive smoking exposure on developing CAP. Patients and methods A case–control study including 40 patients presented with CAP were divided into two groups according to being exposed or not exposed to passive smoking in their home environment. They were assessed clinically and their length of hospital stay and duration of possible ICU admission were estimated. Mechanical ventilation and mortality risk were also secondary endpoints in this study. Results Age and sex among both groups did not show significant differences. Length of hospital stay and duration of ICU admission were significantly higher in passive smoker patients. Patients aged 60 years old or higher were at more increased risk of developing CAP. In addition, patients exposed to two or more smokers in their homes had a higher risk of having CAP. Conclusion Passive smoking exposure increases risk of developing CAP. The risk is increased significantly in patients of 60 years old or over as well as in patients exposed to two or more smokers in their home environment.

Keywords

• community-acquired pneumonia
• intensive care unit
• passive smoking