In-home exposure to e-cigarettes and tobacco linked to children's asthma flare-ups
Household exposure to e-cigarettes increases the risk of asthma flare-ups in children, challenging the assumption that e-cigarettes are a "safer" source of secondhand smoke, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 National Conference & Exhibition in San Diego.
Research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 conference reveals a link between household exposure to e-cigarettes and tobacco and increased asthma flare-ups in children. The study, conducted over a 33-month period using electronic health record data from a large pediatric network, analyzed more than 48,000 clinic visits.
Parents of children with asthma were asked about household use of tobacco and e-cigarettes, with 5% reporting both, 9% reporting tobacco-only, and 3% reporting e-cigarette-only use. Researchers found that children exposed to both tobacco and e-cigarettes at home experienced the most severe asthma symptoms, including more flare-ups, nighttime symptoms, activity-related symptoms, rescue inhaler use, and hospital admissions.
Even e-cigarette-only exposure was independently linked to more asthma flares and activity-related symptoms. The findings challenge the belief that e-cigarettes are a safer option for children with asthma. Pediatric care teams should screen for all forms of household nicotine and tobacco use and offer cessation support as part of routine asthma care.
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