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Secondhand smoke exacerbates allergies

Respiratory Care Weekly, June 21, 2006

Secondhand smoke exposure can change allergy patients' immune systems and make them more prone to potential asthma attacks, according to an article published this week on the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Web site. In the study, 19 nonsmokers with a ragweed allergy underwent a nasal lavage, or rinse, for testing. Immediately after the lavage, the study participants spent two hours in a chamber where they were either exposed to secondhand smoke or clean air. Another nasal lavage was performed, and the groups were exposed to either ragweed or a placebo.

Lavages were then performed at 10 minutes, 24 hours, and at four and seven days after exposures. Participants were analyzed for levels of IgE, the antibody produced in response to allergen exposure, and histamine, one of the substances responsible for the symptoms of inflammation. Four days after exposure to ragweed and secondhand smoke, levels of IgE were 16.6 times higher in the nasal fluid than for study participants who were exposed to ragweed and clean air. Nasal histamine levels were also 3.3 times higher for those exposed to ragweed and secondhand smoke than those who were exposed to ragweed and clean air. This points to the possibility that chemicals in secondhand smoke can heighten allergy sensitivity, reported the Journal.

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