Some organic substances and synthetic compounds can cause a specific reaction of the immune system. Given the huge amount of toxins and harmful chemicals contained in tobacco products, it is not surprising that the allergy to cigarettes is more common. This affects not only smokers, but also the people around them who inhale the smoke, especially if there is a history of bronchial asthma or hypersensitivity to various irritants.
Could there be an allergy to cigarettes?
The considered pathology usually does not appear immediately, disguising itself under the habitual "cough of a smoker" or a common runny nose. Therefore, many people do not believe in the existence of this type of immune response, until the disease goes to a serious stage. However, the described disease does exist and is quite common, recently even in young children.
It is worth noting that there is an allergy to the liquid for electronic cigarettes. Its composition, as a rule, includes such ingredients:
- glycerol;
- propylene glycol;
- flavoring;
- nicotine (not always).
With individual intolerance of one of the components, a negative immune response is quite possible.
Symptoms of allergies to cigarettes and its therapy
The characteristic features of this problem are:
- severe dry cough;
- nasal congestion or runny nose;
- a sore throat;
- hoarseness of voice;
- irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, burning, itching;
- swelling of the face and extremities;
- redness of the skin;
- dyspnea;
- labored breathing;
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea, sometimes vomiting;
- diarrhea.
Treatment of the considered type of allergy is identical to the therapeutic approach in any similar responses of the immune system. It is necessary to completely exclude contact with the irritant and take a course of antihistamines.