Are smoking parents more likely to have children with MS?

There is research suggesting that children of parents who smoke may have an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). This increased risk is associated with both exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and passive smoking in early childhood.

MS is a complex disease involving both genetic and environmental factors. Smoking is a known risk factor for MS in adults, and there is some evidence that passive smoking in childhood may increase the risk of MS later in life.

Some studies have suggested that exposure to tobacco smoke in utero, during pregnancy, may be associated with an increased risk of MS in the child. This has been attributed in part to the damaging effects of smoke on the immune system and fetal development.

Children exposed to passive smoking, for example through their parents smoking, may also have an increased risk of developing MS. This may be due to the damaging effects of tobacco smoke on the immune system and inflammatory processes in the body.

Although more research is needed to fully understand the exact mechanism and strength of this association, it appears that parental smoking may be a risk factor for the development of MS in their children. Avoiding smoking during pregnancy and minimizing exposure to secondhand smoke are important measures to promote the overall health of children.

Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/parental-smoking-linked-increased-ms-risk-offspring-2024a1000c6w?_gl=1*15pzb65*_gcl_au*MTIwNTcwMDA5OS4xNzIxNTU0NzIx&form=fpf

Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-1331.2008.02331.x#:~:text=When%20stratified%20by%20paediatric%20or%20later%20MS%20onset,represents%20a%20risk%20for%20early%E2%80%90onset%20MS%20amongst%20offspring.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-29 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024