Frequency and characteristics of asthma in smokers attending smoking cessation units in Spain.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The interaction between smoking and asthma impairs lung function and increases airflow obstruction severity. The identification of smoking patterns in smokers with and without asthma is crucial to provide the best care strategies. The aims of this study are to estimate asthma frequency, describe asthma features, and characterize smoking in smokers attending smoking cessation units. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study in five smoking cessation units with different geographical distribution to estimate asthma frequency in smokers, characterize asthma features in smokers, as well as smoking in asthmatic smokers. RESULTS: Asthma frequency among smokers was 18.6%. Asthmatic smokers presented high passive exposure, low smoking self-efficacy and will to quit smoking, as well as a high exacerbation frequency, severe symptoms, and frequent use of long-acting beta agonists, inhaled steroids, and short-acting beta agonists. DISCUSSION: Smokers with asthma constitute a high-risk group with worsened evolution of pulmonary involvement. All smokers should be regularly screened for asthma. Effective smoking cessation strategies should be proposed to smokers with asthma in order to reverse the harmful effects of smoking on the airway, together with a comprehensive and integral approach.