When a smoker lights a cigarette, products in the cigarette, including nicotine, begin breaking down and releasing noxious chemicals. If you are asthmatic or suffer from allergies, cigarette smoke, smoke from a wood stove and fireplace smoke can all set off your symptoms. While others should avoid making you ill, you can also speak up and avoid exposure to smoke.
Smoke Allergy Factors
Cigarettes are made up of toxic substances which have the potential to irritate the airways and lungs of sensitive persons. If you or your child suffer from nasal allergies or asthma, being exposed to the smoke from a cigarette can make the condition worse. Even when you and your child do not have allergies or asthma, the secondhand smoke increases the risk of developing upper respiratory infections, Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt writes for eMedTV. In addition, smoke from a fireplace or wood stove can potentially worsen asthma and increase the risk of ear infections in young children.
Symptoms of Smoke Allergy
Upon smoke exposure, your eyes burn and become watery. Your airways begin narrowing and inflammation sets in. As your airways narrow, you begin wheezing; your exhalations become audible, with a whistling sound. You may be short of breath. Your nasal passages become congested, you start to cough and your voice is hoarse. You may develop a nagging headache.
Affected Health Conditions
As noted, if you suffer from asthma, allergies or allergic rhinitis, your airways can be irritated by drifting smoke. However, if you are around someone who has recently smoked a cigarette, the smoke also lingers in his hair and on his skin, clothing and breath. This lingering smoke may even be sufficient to trigger an allergic or asthmatic reaction if you are sensitive, states the University of Connecticut NetWellness website.
Considerations
Avoid being in closed spaces, such as cars or elevators, with smokers. If you live with a smoker, let him know he cannot smoke around you or anyone else suffering from respiratory allergies. At work, take your breaks away from smokers who congregate outside to smoke.
References
- eMedTv; Cigarette Smoke Allergy; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD; May 22, 2006
- University of Connecticut Net Wellness; Smoking and Tobacco; May 20, 2007
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Controlling Your Environment at Home
- Environmental Health News; Smoke From Wood Fireplaces, Stoves Raises New Health Concerns; Cheryl Katz; Mar. 14, 2011
