Smoking can prevent allergy diseases

Published on February 6, 2008 1:41 PM

After numerous discussions on the negative effects of tobacco smoking and second-hand smoking, Otago University has presented a report, which states that smoking can prevent the development of allergic diseases.

This affirmation was recently published and confirmed by Dr Robert Hancox, of the Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand. The doctor stated that his report was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The tests have proved that smokers are less likely to develop allergies.

946 New Zealanders from up to the age of 32 have participated in the study. The researchers have discovered that those who smoke or have smoking parents are less likely to develop allergies.

Hancox explains that smoking, or exposure to second-hand smoke, damages the immune system and allergies typically arise from the immune system's overreaction.

Even the medics agree that smoking has some positive effects too.

Though, Dr Robert Hancox states that fact doesn’t mean that people should smoke in order to avoid allergic diseases .

“A side effect of this may be that people who smoke may be less likely to develop allergies, but this is a very small benefit compared to other harmful effects of smoking,” Hancox added.