Cigarette Smoke

Introduction

Cigarette smoke contains a number of toxic chemicals and irritants. People with allergies may be more sensitive to cigarette smoke than others and research studies indicate that smoking may aggravate allergies.

Smoking does not just harm smokers but also those around them. Research has shown that children and spouses of smokers tend to have more respiratory infections and asthma than those of non-smokers. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of allergic complications such as sinusitis and bronchitis .

Common symptoms of smoke irritation are burning or watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness and shortness of breath presenting as a wheeze.

Preventive Strategies

• Don't smoke and if you do, seek support to quit smoking. Contact Puff-Free Partners, such as:
  

  National Cancer Institute  
  1-800-QUIT-NOW

  Nicotine Anonymous  
  1-415-750-0328

  American Lung Association  
  1-800-LUNG-USA

  Centers for Disease Control
  1-800-CDC-1311

  American Cancer Society  
  1-800-ACS-2345

• Seek smoke-free environments in restaurants, theaters and hotel rooms.
• Avoid smoking in closed areas like homes or cars where others may be exposed to second-hand smoke.