Everything About Allergy

Cigarette smoke is an allergen that may aggravate allergies. Aside from harming the smokers themselves, the families of smokers are exposed to second hand smoke which increases the risk of allergic complications like sinusitis and bronchitis. Watery eyes, nasal congestion, hoarseness and shortness of breath, and coughing are among the symptoms of smoke irritation.

Preventive strategies are suggested by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health:

- Don’t smoke.
- If already a smoker, start your journey to quit smoking, and seek support from these websites: National Cancer Institute, Nicotine Anonymous, American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control, American Cancer Society.
- Look for non-smoking areas in public places such as restaurants, movie houses, etc.
- Do not smoke in enclosed areas, and avoid smoking in the presence of other people who may be exposed to second- hand smoke.