Smoking can prevent the allergy diseases

Published on February 6, 2008 1:41 PM

After many discussions on the subject of the negative effects of tobacco smoking and second-hand smoking, Otago University presented a report that smoking can prevent developing of allergic diseases.

This affirmation was published recently and confirmed by Dr Robert Hancox, of the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. Doctor said that he just published a report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology regarding that discovery. Tests proved that smokers are less likely to develop allergies.

946 New Zealanders from birth to the age of 32 participated at study. Researchers found that those who smoke or have smoking parents were less likely to develop allergies.

Hancox explains that smoking, or exposition to second-hand smoke, damages the immune system and allergies arise from an immune system overreaction.

Even the medicine is full with much scientific terminology; it is enough that smoking has some positive effects as well.

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

“One 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 the many harmful effects of smoking,” Hancox added.