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Smoking & Allergies

Tobacco produced by cigarettes, pipes and cigars enters the air as smoke when exhaled, decreasing the air quality by emitting harmful, chemical pollutants that trigger firsthand and secondhand conditions such as allergies and asthma.

  1. Allergic Nasal Congestion

    • Smoking causes the nasal passages to become inflamed in allergic and asthmatic individuals, causing increased mucus production resulting in symptoms of congestion, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, wheezing and coughing.

    Allergic Asthma

    • Allergic asthma is triggered by smoking and by inhaling secondhand smoke, causing swelling of the airways, bronchioles, trachea and lungs, leading to symptoms of chest tightness, chronic coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, congestion and asthma attacks.

    Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

    • Individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) allergies are at an increased risk for developing severe reactions to smoking such as nausea, vomiting, migraines, dizziness, irritability, malaise, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma-related lung problems.

    Childhood Complications

    • Children exposed to secondhand smoke can develop allergies, ear infections, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis and decreased lung function at an early age, due to the inhalation of airborne carcinogens through lungs that are not fully developed.

    Dust Mites

    • Smoke and ashes attract additional airborne allergens such as indoor dust mites that infest and hatch eggs, infiltrating bedding, upholstery, pets and human skin, triggering reactions in sensitized individuals.

    Treatment

    • Quitting smoking is the most effective solution in treating firsthand and secondhand smoke allergies. Treating smoke allergies through oral antihistamines, corticosteroids, allergy shots, inhalers and nebulizer treatments may alleviate chronic symptoms.

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