Order a tobacco allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to tobacco. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample. Tobacco is a member of the Solanaceae family of plants. Naturally, tobacco contains both the highly addictive stimulant alkaloid nicotine and harmala alkaloids. Dried tobacco leaves are primarily used in cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and shishas for smoking. They're also available in snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, and snus varieties.
Individuals trying to determine if they have a tobacco allergy should keep in mind that tobacco items contain many other components than just tobacco. In the case an individual is not allergic to tobacco but still has symptoms after using such products, they may be allergic to one of the ingredients, such as the allergens contained in the additives.
An allergy to tobacco triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can be experienced within minutes to hours after exposure. Common symptoms of a tobacco allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Itchiness
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Wheezing
- Congestion
- Hoarseness
- Skin inflammation
- Difficulty breathing
