The various toxic chemicals and irritants found in cigarette smoke trigger an allergic response in sensitive individuals. The National Institute of Environmental Sciences warns that children and spouses of smokers are at higher risk for asthma and respiratory infections than children and spouses of nonsmokers. The possibility of complications from a cigarette allergy, such as sinusitis and bronchitis, increase with exposure to secondhand smoke.
Coughing
Secondhand cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals and 60 of them are known to cause cancer. Cigarette smoke irritates the airways and the lungs. The American Cancer Society clarifies that mucus production and coughing are the body's attempt to protect itself.
Eye Irritation
Irritation from cigarette smoke causes tearing and burning of the eyes. An allergen, such as cigarette smoke, signals the body's immune system to react. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the toxins and irritants trigger the mast cells in the eyes to release histamine, which causes the swelling in the blood vessels of the eye. Red, watery and itchy eyes are the resulting symptom of a cigarette allergy.
Nasal Congestion
The Allergy Relief Center explains how an allergic response to cigarette smoke includes nasal congestion. The allergen causes inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages. The small openings from the nose and to the sinuses can close. Mucus production increases in response to the occasional inflammation.
Hoarseness
Hoarseness, a symptom of a cigarette allergy, develops because of irritation to the vocal cords. The larynx is the part of the respiratory tract that contains the vocal cords. The vocal cords are two bands of muscle that vibrate to produce sound when we speak or sing. Hoarseness makes the voice sound harsh or raspy.
Wheezing
Cigarette smoke irritates the small breathing tubes called bronchial tubes. Narrowing of the airways causes wheezing. This high-pitched whistling sound indicates difficulty breathing.
