Allergic to Cigarette Smoke?

 

Are you one of those people who can’t help but wince when you catch a whiff of smoke for a nearby cigarette? For many people, their clashes with second hand smoke fill them with dread of the next smoker who crosses their path and triggers the runny nose, sneezing and congestion that strongly resembles an allergic reaction. For this very reason, you may think that you may be one of the people who suffers from “smoke allergies”.

Before you start treating “smoke allergies” with allergy medication, you might want to read this article and uncover one of the biggest myths concerning this condition (as well as some tips for keeping yourself healthy).

 

Symptoms of Cigarette Sensitivity

Tobacco Smoke Exposure

When a cigarette is lit, it dumps over 4,000 different chemicals into the air (and 80 of these are known or suspected carcinogens). If you live with a smoking family member or visit restaurants or pubs where smoking is permitted, it might be impossible for you to completely rid yourself of smoke exposure. If you are particularly sensitive to smoke, even the smell of smoke of someone’s clothes or the residual smell of smoke left in a room can cause irritation.  So, even though avoidance of tobacco smoke is the best method to prevent "smoke allergies", it may not be a practical solution.

#1 Myth: People are Allergic to Smoke

The truth is that no one really is allergic to smoke. This is why some people find no relief by taking allergy medications to relive their symptoms after being exposed to smoke. The truth is that smoke is considered an irritant and not a true allergen. Cigarette or cigar smoke will often generate an allergy-like reaction or cause other allergies (like those to pollen, dust, pets, etc) to become exacerbated. So the key to preventing the “smoke allergies” is finding out whether you have one of two common conditions:

 

 Two Main Types of Smoke Sensitivity

 

 ·         Smoke Aggravating Underlying Allergies: your body is weakened by smoke and begins reacting to all the tiny bits of nearby pollen, dust and dander that usually would not have been a problem.

More About Smoke-Aggravated Allergies:

Allergens are tiny particles that are made up of proteins that the body has mistaken for a dangerous intruder like a virus or other germ. Smoke contains tiny tar ash particles (that form a white cloud as the tobacco burns), but these are not the same as a true allergen because they are not protein based.  

2.    You have eczema or food allergies.

 

 

More About Vasomotor Rhinitis:

This is a form of inflammation and irritation of the nasal area as well as the throat and eyes. Seasonal or indoor allergies are called "allergic rhinitis". Vasomotor rhinitis is different from the allergic type because it is not caused by allergens and is sometimes called "non-allergic rhinitis". The symptoms you experience are triggered by your nervous system rather than allergens. It causes many of the same symptoms that an allergic reaction would, but is caused by highly sensitive or excessive amounts of blood vessels in the delicate tissue of the sinus area.

 

 

Written by Guest Author, Dr. Richard Cassidy

Home, Health, and Happiness

Chlordane compounds do not damage cells directly by reacting with molecules but instead by binding to receptors of steroid hormones (hormone disruptors), especially estrogen receptors. These estrogen receptors regulate many processes in many organs of the body. Estrogen receptors are located throughout the human brain and scientists have known for years that chlordane causes anxiety, depression, and behavioral, cognitive, and memory deficits. Chlordane also disrupts estrogen receptors in reproductive organs and reduces fertility.

Recent studies demonstrate that chlordane compounds bind to estrogen receptors on human immune cells inducing production of oxidants that damage cellular structures such as DNA and initiate chronic inflammation. These chronic inflammatory processes ultimately may cause insulin resistance, diabetes, respiratory infections, and possibly organic brain damage such as Parkinson disease.

In animal studies, chlordane compounds have been determined to be some of the most potent carcinogens. Chlordane compounds in humans have been linked to increased rates of breast, prostate, testicular, leukemia, lymphoma, and brain cancer.

In 2003, tests for hormone disrupting chemicals conducted in Cape Cod, Massachusetts detected chlordane, heptachlor, or dieldrin in the air of 50-60% of the homes with levels 4-40 times the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) risk-based guidelines for ambient air. Since termite infestation and treatment increase in warmer climates, these numbers would increase with homes located farther south (see www.toxfree.net for map).

Depending on the location of treatment in the home, the indoor air concentrations can vary orders of magnitude. High levels of chlordane and heptachlor (200-2000 ng/M³, ng/ M³ is equal to one/billionth gram per cubic meter of air) are found when treatment is beneath the home – under the basement floor, in the soil of an enclosed crawl space, or under concrete slab floors.

For persons living in chlordane/heptachlor and/or aldrin/dieldrin treated homes, breathing these insecticides has the potential of causing greater adverse health effects than other more widely publicized pollutants. For more information on health effects and air testing see (www.toxfree.net). Dr. Cassidy provides free consulting and would be happy to answer your questions, racassidy@psci.net or 888.836.4489.

 

This article was written by Dr. Richard Cassidy.

 

Are you familiar with the aggravating symptoms of an allergic reaction? If you are one of the millions affected by allergies, the following list should seem quite familiar:

Often the most irritating symptom on this list are the red, weepy, burning eyes that are often a result of exposure to an allergen.

Though appearing to cry while talking to a new acquaintance may cause make-up or pride to run, it may not be the worst that eye allergies can serve up. The blurred vision associated with tears and mucous produced by irritated eyes can make simple tasks very difficult—even dangerous.   In the most severe cases, there is a chance that eye allergies can threaten your eyesight permanently.

It is important not to confuse this type of itchy, burning sensation that causes your eyes to water with the tears that come from allergy-related sinus pressure. A “stuffed up” head may put pressure on the almond-sized glands that produce tears, causing your eyes to start flowing, but with no major discomfort to the delicate areas of the eye. Eye allergies differ from sinus related eye watering because of the redness and irritation that comes with this condition.  Do you think that you might have eye allergies and wonder what can you do to curb the burn and tearfulness? This article should give you an edge when it comes to facing eye allergies.

 

Eye allergies are more formally known as ocular allergies. Not matter what term you use to describe it, this condition affects the thin tissue (known as the conjunctiva) that covers the white part of the eye as well as the insides of the eye lids. This conjunctiva tissue acts as a barrier to protect your eyes from invading particles, microbes and other debris. Another irritating element in ocular allergy is the tear gland—tears actually contain important immune defense substances, like immunoglobulin (antibodies), lymphocytes (specialized white blood cells) and enzymes.

As airborne allergens collide with your eyes, an allergic reaction is sparked within the cells of the conjunctiva which causes itching and burning sensations, red color and swelling. In response, your tear ducts reflexively do their best to flush the offensive allergen from the eyes, causing your eyes to flood with tears.

The ironic aspect of this variety of allergies is that it is caused by your body’s attempt to protect you—but accidentally making you feel miserable in the process!

 

The truth is that eye allergies are working in the same way as your nasal or seasonal allergies, but instead of affecting your nose and airways, it remains localized in the tissue of the eyes. Some people have both nasal and eye allergies, and simply do not realize that treating one may not help the other. Individuals with hay fever (nasal allergies) and even eczema (skin allergies) are most likely to also experience eye allergies.

Ocular allergies can take two different routes to your eyes, whereas, nasal allergies are usually only triggered by inhaling airborne allergens like pollen or animal dander. Eyes are affected by allergens in the air, but another way that the irritating substances find your eyes is by traveling there on your hands. Rubbing or touching the area around your eyes can result in exposing yourself to allergens on your hands.

People with allergic eyes often have a strong family or personal history of allergies—and most likely are going to experience eye allergy symptoms before the age of 30.

 

The main difference between these two common forms of ocular allergy is their timing.

 

 Common Allergen Triggers for Eyes:

  There are also some elements that irritate eyes but are not allergens:

 

 

 

If you know what elements you are allergic to, sometimes avoiding contact with them can help improve your eye allergies dramatically (i.e. if allergic to pets, refrain from petting them or keep no pets yourself). However, if you are unable to indentify the source of your reactions—or simply cannot avoid contact—you might consider seeing an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in condition and care of the eyes).

If you have SAC, you may want to make an appointment with your ophthalmologist before the season when your eye allergies flare up. This way, you can start some sort of treatment or prevention program before you start feeling symptoms.

If you have PAC, you may want to routinely have appointments with you ophthalmologist to make sure that your eye allergies are being monitored. Regular flare-ups will make it necessary to keep your eye doctor up to date with your condition. You may also want to consult an allergist (a doctor who specializes in allergic diseases, like nasal allergies and allergic asthma).

 

These two questions are important to determine whether you can better avoid contact with your trigger allergen or find some sort of treatment to alleviate the irritation.

 

·         Dry Eye: Reduced tear production is frequently confused with allergies. The main symptoms: burning, grittiness or the sensation of “something in the eye”. Most people with dry eye are over the age of 65. This condition will definitely be worsened by the use of oral antihistamines (regardless of age of patient), sedatives and b-blocker medications.

·         Tear Duct Obstruction: Blockage in the tear duct passage that travels from the eyes to the nasal cavity. Most people with tear duct obstruction are elderly. The primary symptom is watery eyes with no itching or burning.

·         Conjunctivitis Due to Infection: Infections caused by bacteria or viruses. In bacterial infections, the eyes are often bright red, the eye lids stick together (especially in the morning). Discolored mucous is often seen (so-called “dirty eyes”). In viral infections cause slight redness and glassy appearance in the eyes. Some eye viruses are spread very easily, by either direct contact or in contaminated swimming pools.

 

For all of these conditions, it is recommended that you see your primary care doctor immediately.

  

 

Testing and Treatment

To determine whether you have eye allergies, your ophthalmologist can check for the signs usually associated with the condition. Most cases, this involved using a specialized microscope called a stilt lamp. When examining your eyes with the stilt lamp, the ophthalmologist is looking for dilated blood vessels, conjunctival swelling and eyelid swelling—or, all the usual signs of an allergic reaction in the eye and surrounding tissue.

On rare occasions, the ophthalmologist with carefully scrape the surface of the conjunctiva. The goal is to check tiny cells removed for traces of eosinophils, this are certain cells commonly tied to severe cases of allergies.

For those with mild to moderate eye allergies, there is a list of over the counter as well as prescription drugs available. Most medicines come in the form of eye drops, which are usually an effective treatment that come with little or no systemic side effects. Most drops are used only twice a day. Some of the most common brands prescribed are:

 For more severe cases, your ophthalmologist may recommend using a topical ophthalmic corticosteroid. Older forms of corticosteroids were the cause with ocular side effects when used over a long period of time. The newer forms of corticosteroids have much less risk associated with them. Some of the most common brands of topical ophthalmic corticosteroids are:

 

· Loteprednol 0.02% (Alrex)

· Loteprednol 0.05% (Lotemax)

· Prednisolone (AK-Pred)

· Rimexolone (Vexol)

· Medrysone (HMS)

· Fluorometholone (FML, FML Forte, FML Liquifilm)

 

Home Care

Whether you feel your ocular allergies are troublesome enough to bring you to visit an eye doctor, or you prefer to suffer through the brief seasonal flare-up’s, here are a few tips to help you help yourself.

1.       Reduce the number of places where allergens can hide by limiting the number of knick-knacks, pillows, dust ruffles, curtains and canopies in your home. All of these are the favorite collecting places of dust and other allergens like dust mites and pollen.

2.       Follow the prescribed method of reducing nasal allergen in your home—the same things that trigger nasal allergies and allergic asthma will affect you as well. So, if you are allergic to dust mites, consider getting a dust mite-proof mattress cover and bedding. Eliminate water leaks or excess condensation if you are allergic to mold spores. There are a number of resources to help you remove allergens from your environment, like Air Quality Tips.com and Allergizer.com.

3.       Avoid pet dander—this means staying away from animals, but also being cautious about dander that may spread onto your clothing or hands while visiting a friend with pets, sitting in a chair where a pet usually sleeps, etc.

4.       Use HEPA filters in your furnace and air conditioning units like those made by Dynamic Air Quality Systems. You might even want to consider using a bedroom sized allergy air filter for your room. Just remember to change the filters regularly—mark it on your calendar.

 

1.       Do not rub your eyes. This is the most natural reaction to the itchiness you might feel in your eyes, but by rubbing your eyes, you are stirring up the irritation even more. Also, the hand-to-eye contact may actually introduce more allergens to your eyes. Try your best to remember not to rub your eyes during an allergic reaction.

2.       Splash your face with water if you are starting to feel like your eyes are getting itchy. The water will actually help rinse allergens off of your face/eye area.

3.       If you sense that you have come into contact with allergens or start to feel your eyes burn, use artificial tears/lubricating drops to flush allergens out of your eyes.

4.       Apply cold compressed to your eyes to reduce the swelling and irritation caused by the allergic reaction.

 As you prep the nursery to ensure a healthy and happy environment for your newest family member, keep in mind that sometimes the basics can make all the difference. Though the new shade of paint and wall paper borders may make an ordinary room look like an adorable baby boudoir, they may bring some unseen complications. The same applies to even the most common and necessary articles in your baby survival kit, like your baby’s crib or baby powder.

The one element that is often overlooked in nursery renovations how the changes will affect the quality of the air that your baby breathes. Research has shown that in more modern homes with almost airtight construction, air pollution can be many times worse than that which occurs outdoors.

 

The impact that air quality has on children and infants is enormous. This is partially due to the fact that their lungs are still developing and therefore are more sensitive than an adult’s. Another reason why babies are so susceptible to air quality ills is because of the over size of their lungs. What would represent a small amount of air pollution for a pair of parent’s lungs would constitute a huge problem to lungs that are less than a quarter the size of an adults’. Yet, size is not the only factor: babies take many more breaths per hour than an adult, so they have greater exposure to air quality problems.

 

Cleaning up the air in the nursery should be a priority on an expectant parent’s “to do” list. Running an air purifier in a child’s room will reduce overall exposure to airborne contaminants. This in turn may shield them from developing respiratory problems like allergies or asthma or even more life-threatening conditions related to air quality, such as COPD or cancer.

Several lines of air purifiers like the IQ Air HealthPro Plus or Dynamic Air Quality Solutions’ CT100 employ both HEPA filters to catch fine particles and carbon to absorb harmful fumes. This HEPA and carbon combination is recommended over ionic or o-zone producing machines. IQ Air is one company that has fine-tuned their line of air purifiers to remove the full gambit of air quality concerns. The HEPA filters catch even the tiniest of particles in the air (baby powder pollen, dust, etc) as well as eliminate many other air concerns like formaldehyde from furniture glues and carpeting. Based on consumer reports, the IQAir models are considered a “best buy”—but the peace of mind that they offer to parents is priceless.

 

Nearly 69% of parents use baby powder when changing their baby’s diapers. The talcum powder used on most baby bottoms is comprised of several combinations of zinc stearate and magnesium silicates, as well as other silicates which are finely ground. When airborne, the powder is easily inhaled into lungs and can cause pneumonia, inflammation of the airways and sometimes even result in death.

Ointments are another method of treating or preventing diaper rashes. The switch doesn’t have to be a painful one, either: most dermatologists agree that ointments are just as effective as baby powder when it comes to treating diaper rashes.

 

Allergens

The United States has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of babies and children with allergies and asthma. Dust, pollen, and dust mites are very common allergens and research has shown that heavy exposure to these elements at a young age often sparks allergies (which in turn can develop into asthma if untreated).  

The key is that it is never too early to prevent contact with allergens. Though there are many ways to avoid exposure, one of the simplest is running an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Air filters like the IQ Air HealthPro Plus or the Dynamic CT100 are designed to remove 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 micrometers in size. HEPA filters are the only method of air purification endorsed by Allergists and Asthma Specialists. 

 

Paints

A fresh coat of paint can transform any plain wall into one with pizzazz—and is often the first step in converting a room into a nursery. Latex paints are by far the most commonly used interior paints because many of them are water soluble and easy to clean up. But, after the initial application, these paints emit Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOC’s) into the air for an extended period of time (often for years). This process is known as off-gassing—and though many materials “off-gas” harmless, odorless elements, synthetic materials or materials what have been treated with synthetic substances are usually toxic.

Who would have ever thought that their baby’s crib or changing table could be a breathing hazard? The truth is that most varnishes and adhesives used in furniture production are quite toxic. Many of the glues used to hold these pieces together re-emit a heavy dose of formaldehyde—a known carcinogen—into the air. The same is applicable to the varnished wood of cribs, changing tables, rockers and other accoutrements in the baby’s room. The effects of VOC exposure associated with the ingredients in furniture glues and varnishes range from nausea to various forms of cancer (with long term exposure).

Though the idea of your little baby’s toes sinking into a soft carpet it much more comforting than the thought of him or her playing on a bare floor, your might want to get rid of the wall-to-wall carpeting. Most often, it is the carpeting that it responsible for producing the lion’s share of off-gassing contaminants.

Baby-Friendly Solution: 

At this time, there are exceedingly few rugs that are non-toxic. Even the padding beneath carpeting is dangerous in terms of it’s affects on air quality. Though an air purifier could remove this airborne health concern as well as those associated with paint and varnish, a bare floor is going to be a much healthier choice in the long run.