Second Hand Smoke Troubles

3athlt

I was exposed to second hand smoke recently (thank you very much, family member... GRRRRRR). Every time this happens to me I swear it gets in my nasal passage and I smell the smoke for 3-7 days afterwards. Also, I swear it constricts my chest and it negatively affects my workouts for 2-3 days (especially cycling and running). I was exposed to second hand smoke last night, and my workouts today were VERY negatively affected. Is anyone else affected this badly by second hand smoke? Does anyone have any ideas on how to clear their nasal passage and lungs after exposure? I've tried everything from a netti pot to putting petroleum jelly in my nasal passage but nothing seems to work. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. TYVM! :-)

tomatoey

It's typically an irritant, not an allergen. Are you sensitive in any other circumstances? Do you get the same response when you walk on a city street where cars release exhaust, for example? Smelling smoke (only) for 3-7 days seems unlikely, unless something else is going on. A single exposure to 2nd hand smoke is not likely to have that effect in someone with no other health conditions.

Do you maybe have asthma?

Unknown

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RodaRose

That is crummy. Work it out so that you do not have to deal with it. Make a plan for next time you see that family member and stick to your plan.

professionalHobbyist

I don't like second hand smoke, in any capacity. It stinks up everything! And it lingers on clothing...

I get the scent seems to stay in your nose. I am never around smoking. On the rare instance it seems ultra strong now.

But feel good in knowing that aside of an irritant it does not cause cancer or any of the other over hyped mythical damage.

Even the American Cancer society had to admit it could find no linkage. Plus so many people with huge class action lawsuits!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielfisher/2013/12/12/study-finds-no-link-between-secondhand-smoke-and-cancer/

That was from the National Cancer Institute that did prove smoking causes cancer to the smoker. 76,000 people in the study

The EPA was deemed as misleading the public by a federal district court judge on cherry picking and manipulating data to create a second hand smoke monster.

http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/secondhand-smoke-charade

So as offensive as it is, it isn't killing you.

The person texting and driving will.

yesimpson

tomatoey wrote: »

It's typically an irritant, not an allergen. Are you sensitive in any other circumstances? Do you get the same response when you walk on a city street where cars release exhaust, for example? Smelling smoke (only) for 3-7 days seems unlikely, unless something else is going on. A single exposure to 2nd hand smoke is not likely to have that effect in someone with no other health conditions.

Do you maybe have asthma?

I wondered this - if maybe there is some other issue making you more sensitive. I don't smoke and am pretty unbothered by someone smoking near me if I am outside for example, and I've never really noticed any reaction to smoke unless I am very close to someone and it kind of tickles my throat sometimes so I cough. Certainly does not affect me for hours or days afterwards. Perhaps there is an element of something psychological going on too - you hate it so you think about it afterwards and it continues to irritate you. Just like your scalp will itch if you hear people talking about headlice!

ohmscheeks

Um, yeah, and you can totally be allergic to cigarette smoke, and allergic reactions can last last for days. They have those nasal saline solutions, dehumidifers, etc...