The Effects of Secondhand Smoke Exposure on Serum Immunoglobulin E Levels among Children of Elementary School

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases have been increasing in prevalence during the last decades and could be due to environmental exposure changes. Studies have shown that a leading smoke exposure implicated in alterations in humoral and cell-mediated immunity and the development of allergic conditions, including the production of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE). AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the association between environmental secondhand smoke exposure and total IgE levels in serum among children of elementary school. METHODS: An observational study with a cross-sectional approach. Children who were 10–12 years old (n = 86) were assessed using the ISAAC questionnaires and smoke exposure questionnaires. Blood samples were collected for the quantitative measurement of total IgE with the IMMULITE 2000 System analyzers by Prodia Laboratory. RESULTS: In this study, carried out of 86 children with secondhand smoke exposure. In addition, the smoke exposure divided into two categories, rarely and often. There were 49 children (56.9%) shows higher than the standard of IgE levels. There was no statistically significant association between secondhand smoke exposure and IgE levels with p = 0.501. CONCLUSION: Children with secondhand smoke exposure, asthma history, and rhinitis allergy showed higher than standard of IgE levels, but it was not statistically significant.