Cigarette smoke contains a number of toxic chemicals and irritants. People
with allergies and asthma may be more sensitive to cigarette smoke than other
people, and research studies indicate that smoking may aggravate asthma.
Smoking does not just harm smokers but also those around them. Research has
shown that children and spouses of smokers tend to have more respiratory infections
and asthma than those of non-smokers. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke
can increase the risk of complications such as sinusitis and bronchitis.
Common symptoms of smoke irritation are burning or watery eyes, nasal congestion,
coughing, hoarseness and shortness-of-breath.
Created by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Updated
and modified by A.D.A.M., Inc. Image copyright A.D.A.M., Inc.
Review Date: 5/16/2007
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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