Name of the Procedure:

Smoking Status and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke Assessment (Asthma) Common name(s): Smoke Exposure Assessment Technical/medical terms: Tobacco Use and Environmental Tobacco Smoke Assessment

Summary

This procedure involves evaluating a patient's smoking habits and exposure to second-hand smoke, particularly in the home environment. It is an essential assessment for individuals with asthma to understand potential triggers and implement appropriate management strategies.

Purpose

The procedure addresses asthma by identifying tobacco smoke as a trigger. The goal is to determine the patient's smoking status and second-hand smoke exposure to mitigate asthma symptoms and improve overall respiratory health.

Indications

• Patients with diagnosed asthma
• Individuals presenting with asthma-like symptoms
• Poorly controlled asthma despite medication
• History of smoking or residing with smokers

Preparation

• No special preparation is necessary.
• Patients may need to provide a history of smoking habits and household smoking behaviors.

Procedure Description

1. Interview/Questionnaire: The healthcare provider conducts an interview or provides a questionnaire to the patient.
   • Questions include details about personal smoking habits, frequency, duration, and attempts to quit.
   • Household smoking habits are assessed, including the presence of smokers in the home and exposure in other settings.
2. Environmental Assessment: If applicable, an environmental assessment of the patient’s home may be conducted to identify potential second-hand smoke sources.
3. Documentation: The healthcare provider documents the findings in the patient's record to inform future management and treatment plans.

Duration

Approximately 15-30 minutes.

Setting

Typically conducted in a clinic or healthcare provider’s office.

Personnel

• Primary care physician or pulmonologist
• Nurse or medical assistant

Risks and Complications

• There are no physical risks or complications associated with the assessment itself. However, discussing smoking habits might cause emotional discomfort or stress for some patients.

Benefits

• Identification of asthma triggers related to smoking.
• Personalized management plan to reduce smoke exposure.
• Improved asthma control and overall respiratory health.

Recovery

• No physical recovery needed.
• Patients may receive educational materials on smoking cessation and reducing second-hand smoke exposure.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled.

Alternatives

• Self-reported smoking habits without formal assessment.
• General asthma management without specific focus on smoking status and second-hand smoke exposure.
  • Pros: Simplifies initial patient assessments.
  • Cons: May overlook critical asthma triggers related to smoke exposure.

Patient Experience

• The patient will be asked to provide honest and detailed information about their smoking habits and exposure.
• Educational support for smoking cessation and reducing second-hand smoke exposure will be provided.
• No physical discomfort is expected during the procedure.