Smoking and asthma in 20–44-yearold adults in Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran

To investigate the prevalence of smoking, asthma and asthma-related symptoms in relation to age, sex and smoking behaviour in Urmia, we carried out a cross-sectional study in 2004 using the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease questionnaire, which includes some questions on smoking. We surveyed 2987 adults aged 20–44 years. Prevalence of wheeze, breathlessness with wheezing, asthma attack, use of asthma medication and nasal allergy were 4.8%, 3.3%, 1.2%, 1.1%, and 16.0% respectively. Current smokers comprised 16.4% of participants. Prevalence of asthma symptoms was significantly greater in smokers than non-smokers. Rates for asthma diagnosis and asthma medication were lower than the European Community Respiratory Health survey median.