Environmental Tobacco Smoke and its Impact on Wheezing Disorders and Early Childhood Caries among Children Aged 30-60 Months in Mangaluru, South India

Background: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) consists of particles much smaller than those in mainstream smoke, and therefore has greater penetrability to the airways of children. Children are exposed to tobacco smoke not only in their homes but also in schools, restaurants, child-care settings, cars, buses and other public places. This study aimed to assess the impact of ETS on wheezing disorders and early childhood caries among children aged 30-60 months diagnosed with wheezing disorders in Mangaluru, South India. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from August to October 2017, among the children aged 30-60 months, with wheezing disorders who reported to the paediatrics OPD of the two tertiary care hospitals in Mangaluru, South India. Face to Face interview was conducted with all the parents of the children included in this study. Dental caries was assessed using the WHO oral health assessment form 1997. Results: Among children exposed to ETS at home, 70% presented with a history of wheezing disorders in contrast to 22.8% without history of exposure (p