Influence of cigarette smoking on allergic rhinitis: A comparative study on smokers and non-smokers

It has been described that exposure to tabacco smoke causes worsening of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Otherwise, some studies have demonstrated a negative association between cigarette smoke and allergic rhinitis (AR). A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in patients who presented symptoms of AR. Patients were categorized into two groups: current smokers and non smokers based on salivary cotinine measurements. Although cigarette smoking was not associated with more severe symptoms, smoking could be associated with increased risk of developing airway remodeling and decreased lung function in AR patients, thus appropriate treatment should be prescribed if smoke avoidance is unfeasible