Symptoms improve after patient switches from stick incense to electric incense device

Key takeaways:

• There are several harmful pollutants in the fumes released from burning incense.
• It is important to respect why a patient uses incense and suggest alternatives to burning.

BOSTON — A woman with unexplained shortness of breath had improved symptoms with an electric incense device vs. stick incense, according to data presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting.

“Our case report exemplifies that understanding cultural preferences and practices are essential in asking the ‘right questions,’” Gomeo Lam, BA, of PCOM Georgia in Suwanee, told Healio.

“Identifying incense smoke as a trigger and respecting the importance of incense use for our patient allowed the ability to providing patient-focused care,” Lam continued. “Tailored questions prevent the likelihood of potentially overlooking everyday characteristics that may lead towards more deleterious consequences if not properly addressed.”

In this case study, Lam and colleagues assessed a woman aged 87 years receiving oxygen therapy who had a history of asthma and COPD. The abstract noted that unexplained shortness of breath was the reason for presentation.

Researchers uncovered the daily practice of burning incense in the form of a joss stick while collecting patient information. For the patient, this daily activity serves as an expression of homage and veneration for ancestors and is why she said no when the doctors on this case asked her to stop burning incense, according to the abstract.

“The findings that incense exacerbated the patient’s asthma were not surprising since smoke from any source can exacerbate asthma symptoms,” Lam told Healio.

“However, the patient’s use of incense was not solicited in the initial visit questionnaire, nor was this ascertained from the preliminary history intake,” Lam said. “This is a factor that must be considered for an overall holistic overview, ensuring all practices and cultures are considered when considering treatment care.”

When explaining the health dangers of burning incense, researchers highlighted several harmful pollutants in the fumes released from incense: carbon, sulfur, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde and other polycyclic aromatic volatile compounds.

Further, a higher amount of particulate matter is generated from incense per gram burned than cigarettes (45 mg vs. 10 mg), and negative consequences of secondhand smoke are a possibility for those exposed, according to the abstract.

Despite the patient’s refusal, she did agree to use an electric incense device. The abstract reported that the patient had improved symptoms with this switch.

“Cultural differences need to be considered and understood when caring for a diverse population,” Lam told Healio. “The depth of analysis which may concur may be surprising and equally obscured. Understanding differences in scope carries forth a directional outlook of where medicine should continue prospering towards.”

Headaches, respiratory dysfunction, dermatologic sensitivity and allergic reactions are all risks individuals face when burning incense, according to the abstract.

Researchers also noted that this type of smoke can stay around for a while, sticking to furniture and clothes.

“More studies need to be conducted on the impact of ethnic foods, exposures and practices on health and well-being,” Lam told Healio. “Research, education and training on culturally sensitive issues is paramount to providing care to everyone. Further segments of analysis towards alike cases could provide better determination of generalized patterns and cues for providers and treatment.”

For more information:

Gomeo Lam, BA, can be reached at medical.gomeolam@icloud.com, and emails should cc Mary Lee-Wong, MD, MS, at mlwong@maimo.org.

Reference:

• Burning incense can pose health risks for those with allergies and asthma. https://www.newswise.com/articles/burning-incense-can-pose-health-risks-for-those-with-allergies-and-asthma. Published Oct. 24, 2024. Accessed Oct. 24, 2024.