Resumen de La exposición al tabaco como factor de riesgo de enfermedad invasora en niños
A. Ballester Sanz, Javier Díez Domingo, A. Morant, I. Pereiró, L. Segarra Castelló
The great majority of children who are exposed to tobacco smoke do not choose this exposure. It is estimated that about half of all children are subjected to environments contaminated by tobacco smoke, mainly at home. The results of studies of the association between exposure to tobacco smoke and risk for invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae are not consistent and further studies providing greater evidence of a relationship will be necessary since there are certain biological findings that suggest that it exists. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of invasive meningococcal disease in children, as has been shown in a number of studies that have demonstrated a strong association after adjustment for different confounding variables. These findings increase the body of evidence of the harmful effect of tobacco smoke on children's health. Any strategy aimed at reducing the exposure of children to tobacco smoke will improve their health. It is important to educate parents and the importance of avoiding smoking in the household should be stressed.
