Many allergic people have found that their allergies are worsened by smoking and secondhand smoke. However, up until now, research had not been conducted to provide evidence of this effect. Now for the first time, a study reports that secondhand cigarette smoke does make allergy symptoms worse.
The study, presented by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), investigated the effect of secondhand smoke on allergens and immune system response. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, collected nasal fluid samples of 19 participants with allergies to ragweed. The participants were then exposed to either cigarette smoke or clean air. Following this, the researchers collected nasal fluid samples again. The experiment was repeated with ragweed exposure and clean air, and nasal fluid samples were collected. The researchers analyzed the participants' nasal fluid samples for levels of IgE allergy antibodies and histamine (a substance that causes inflammation).
The researchers found that IgE levels were 16.6 times higher in participants exposed to ragweed and cigarette smoke, compared to participants exposed to ragweed and clean air. Furthermore, histamine levels were 3.3 times higher in participants exposed to ragweed and cigarette smoke, than participants exposed to ragweed and clean air.
"The authors noted the study provides the first experimental evidence that secondhand smoke can exacerbate allergic responses and also suggest patients with allergies should avoid tobacco smoke," states the AAAAI news release.
REFERENCES:
1. Secondhand smoke proven to make allergies worse, from the JACI. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology News Release, June 14, 2006:
http://www.aaaai.org/media/news_releases/2006/06/061406.stm
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on September 21, 2006 02:18 PM
