Got Allergies? Avoid Secondhand Smoke

[Angel]

People who suffer from allergies would do well to steer clear of people who smoke.

According to a new study out of the University of California, Los Angeles, secondhand smoke exposure significantly increases key markers of allergy in nasal rinses.

The research involved 19 nonsmokers who underwent nasal lavage -- a process in which fluids are collected from the nasal passages for study in the laboratory -- before the study began and then again after the participants were exposed to two hours of either secondhand smoke or clear air. Nasal fluid was again collected, and the individuals were then exposed to either ragweed (to which they were all allergic) or a sham substance.

More nasal fluid was collected 10 minutes, 24 hours, and four days and seven days later. Results showed people who were exposed to both secondhand smoke and ragweed still had 16.6 times higher levels of a key allergy marker, IgE, four days following exposure. Levels of another marker, histamine, were 3.3-times higher.

The authors believe their study is the first to provide experimental evidence linking secondhand smoke exposure to worsening allergic symptoms.