Tobacco Product Use among Youths with and without Lifetime Asthma

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Among young persons with asthma, use of combustible tobacco products, particularly cigarettes, worsens symptoms and increases need for medical management.

What is added by this report?

Current use of all tobacco product types and multiple tobacco products was significantly higher among students with asthma than among those without asthma. E-cigarettes were the most commonly reported tobacco product type used by middle and high school students with asthma (7.9% and 19.6%, respectively) and without asthma (5.8% and 17.2%, respectively).

What are the implications for public health practice?

Statewide tobacco prevention strategies could help reduce all forms of tobacco product use among youths, particularly among those with asthma.