Does Smoking Reduce Allergies?

A new study by the Utrecht University, Netherlands, indicates that smoking may help in reducing allergies by minimizing the reaction of immune cells. Although cigarette smoking may result in harmful health affects such as pulmonary disease, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease etc. dampening of allergic response might be a surprising benefit of smoking.

An allergic reaction is triggered when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain allergens as harmful and reacts against it. An allergic reaction involves the release of powerful chemicals by mast cells.

In this study, the researchers treated the mast cells with a cigarette smoke infused solution. They found out that the cigarette smoke prevented the mast cells from releasing chemicals which trigger allergies. The smoke-induced solution also did not affect the other functions of the mast cells. This implies that cigarette smoke can prevent an allergic reaction by reducing the response of immune system.

This study used the mast cells which were derived from mice. However, cigarette smoke may offer similar protection against allergies in smokers. Neil Thomson, a leading expert in the field of respiratory medicine opines that taking up smoking to reduce allergies is unwise. But, this study shows that cigarette smoke may dampen the allergic response thereby reducing allergies in a smoker

To manage allergies, prevention of allergens is the best option. Other long-term option for treating allergies includes immunotherapy or allergy shots. In this treatment, small amounts of allergen is injected gradually into the body. Over time, the body gets used to the allergen and the individual can overcome allergies.

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