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Prevalence of allergic rhinitis high in smokers

Exposure to tobacco smoke appeared more likely to increase the prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms in people, independent of allergic sensitization, according to study results.

“Exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with an increase in rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing,” Josef Shargorodsky, MD, a sinus and skull base surgeon at Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat in New Jersey, told Healio.com/Allergy. “The exact mechanism of the effect of smoking on these symptoms is unclear, but does not appear to be related to an increase in allergies.”

Josef Shargorodsky

Shargorodsky and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional study of adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005-2006 to assess the association between smoking or exposure to second hand smoke and the prevalence of rhinitis and allergic sensitization.

The analysis included 4,339 adults aged 20 to 85 years who had self-reported rhinitis symptoms from the previous 12 months.

Researchers collected serum cotinine levels — viewed as an accurate measure of recent nicotine exposure — in participants who identified themselves as active smokers or non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke.

Participants then provided researchers with serum samples for 19 allergen specific immunoglobulin-E (IgE) regarding allergic symptoms and sensitization.

Almost half of the participants (43%) had detectable levels of IgE specific to at least one inhaled allergen and 32% reported a history of rhinitis.

Smokers and people exposed to high levels of cotinine had an increased risk for rhinitis (OR = 1.42; 95% CI, 1-2). Smokers and those exposed to second hand smoke who did not have allergic sensitization had a higher risk for rhinitis (OR = 2.47; 95% CI, 1.44-4.23).

Shargorodsky told Healio.com/Allergy people who know they suffer from rhinitis should try to avoid tobacco smoke.

“[The results imply] that smokers are more likely to have [rhinitis] symptoms, and individuals with those symptoms should consider avoiding tobacco smoke exposure,” he said. – by Ryan McDonald

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.