Introduction: Tobacco is known to be a potent exacerbator and a control distruptor of asthma in both smokers and non smokers.

Objectif: to compare the level of asthma control among smoking and non smoking workers. 

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study conducted at the occupational medecine department of charles nicolle hospital among asthmatic workers who consulted for medical fitness to work from 2016 to 2022. The level of asthma control was assessed using the "ACT" questionnaire (Asthma Contol Test).

Result:The population consisted of 49 asthmatic employees of whom 37% (n=18) were active smokers (G1) Vs 63%(n=31) non-smokers (G2).The mean age was 49.67 ± 8.82 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.63.The mean age was 52.28±8.44 years in G1 Vs 48.16±8.81 years in G2; p= 0.1. A male predominance was found in G1 (5 Vs 0.14; p=0.001).12/18 employees in G1 had work-related asthma Vs 16/31 employees in G2 (p=0.4).The main occupations in G1 were: blue-collar workers (n=5) and senior technicians (n=3) Vs 14 blue-collar workers andfive nurses in G2; p=0.9. Asthma was uncontrolled in 8/18 cases in G1 vs 20/31 cases in G2; p=0.3.Smoking asthmatics (G1) were on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators in 5/18 casesVs 14/31 in G2 without this difference being significant. Frequent use of the emergency room was reported by 44% (8/18) of the asthmatic workers in G1 Vs 25% (8/31) in G2 (p=0.1).

Conclusion:Good knowledge of the predictive factors of uncontrolled asthma, such as smoking, would ensure better therapeutic management and improve the quality of life of asthmatic workers.