Abstract
Background: Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke inhibits surface immunoglobulin-mediated responses in B cells. Immunomodulatory effects of cigarette smoke are evidence based and the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on immune system are in focus of current research.
Aim of the study is to analyse tobacco smoking status in patients (Pts) with allergic rhinitis (AR) with special regard to ETS.
Methods: In this observational questionnaire based study successive series of Pts treated for AR at two tertiary level health care facilities in Belgrade, Serbia, was enrolled from January 2010 to Decembre 2011, and valid questionnaires were analyzed for Pts' demographic and social data, and tobacco smoking status.
Results Study group consisted of 182 Pts average age: 36.22±12.50; male/female ratio: 0.75. Tobacco smoking status analysis showed: 12.6% current smokers, 15.4% former smokers, and 136/184 (72%) Pts non smokers. About two thirds of the 'non smokers' have been exposed to ETS while 166/182 (91.2%) Pts have been exposed to both tobacco smoke ingredients (at home and/or at working place), and to the other air pollution.
Conclusion: High proportion of AR Pts is exposed to tobacco smoke and/or the other environmental pollution, which might present a serious problem and challenge for further research in the field of immunomodulation.
- © 2012 ERS
