A request to non-smoker with allergies to tobacco

[Paul65]

If it is truly an allergy, then why not pop one little 24 hour allergy pill a day and not have to worry about accidently walking into some smoke?

 

If only it were that easy. I do pop a 24 hr allergy pill a day, which helps somewhat, but it doesn't make me immune to allergens.

[Jenjer]

I hate cigerate smoke myself my DS freaks out about it. He is sure it will give him a asthma attack or miagrain.......maybe if someone blew it in his face but not just smelling it. But he is 8 and there is no convencing him otherwise. I just tell him to hold his breath and walk away.

 

IMO womem wearing strong perfume are just as bad as a smoker. An elevator ride can set off my asthma. I have never and will never tell someone to go take a shower and change her clothing. I just move away as quickly as I can.

 

On 8 cruises I have never ever encountered a rude smoker. Sure they smoke in the areas set up for them. We walk quickly by, problem solved.

 

On NCL Epic the casino is between the restraunts and shows, it smelled of smoke since its a area were people are allowed to smoke. My DS would not walk thru so he went up a floor with his dad crossed and came back down. We made it a race....me and DD always won.

 

There is always a solution you just have to look for it. If someone is smoking were they shouldn't be then by all means tell a staff member if you don't want to or can not talk to them nicely.

 

I am pretty sure Carnival had a ship a while back that was "smoke free" and that didn't last long cause they could not keep it filled. Being at the airport with some of the people off her. I would never want to be trapped on a ship with them. They complained about everything at the airport.

[luckyprincess]

I've told this story before...

 

Cruise to Alaska...sitting in the buffet area on the ship...two women next to us complaining about the smell of cigarette smoke onboard..and how it will kill them before they finish the cruise.

 

Fast forward to a salmon bar-b-que..smoke billowing off of the pit..and who are standing in the smoke..waiting to be the first served? You guessed it..the two that were ready to collapse from cigarette smoke.

 

We got a laugh over that...here they are inhaling all that smoke from the bar-b-que and nary a sniffle...:rolleyes:

 

Lol, yeah that's another thing that makes me laugh too. When they have no problem sitting in front of dangerous smoke unless it's cigarette smoke..duh. I have a friend that bitches about tiny amounts of wafting cigarette smoke but then goes running for miles in the nasty, congested, pollutant filled streets of NYC. Derp! :p

[Paul65]

How's this for a idea, from a person who has allergies for both Peanuts and Smoke. And hates the idea anyone would subject their own body to this poison.

 

Get up and move yourself.

 

It all comes down to who was there first. If you are, then ask them to move but dont think for one minute it's ok for you to come after and feel it's your right to tell them to stop.

 

 

Well, I'm surprised that several others have agreed with your "whoever gets there first rules" view of things. I guess, under this scenario, I can just go hang out in a smoking area, and as long as I get there first, I can tell anyone who comes by and lights up that I was there first, and they should move.

[Cushing985]

With the use of the words possibility and could makes me think this is not based on medical evidence. I can personally attest that alcohol in moderation DOES NOT act as a muscle relaxer but only makes the constriction and spasms worse.

 

Medicine is an art and doctors will use the words "Possibility" and "Could" all the time until tests and procedures firm up the diagnosis.

[2tall]

We experienced the same thing on the Mariner. We were standing at the rail after dinner, watching a storm in the distance (beautiful lightning). A guy came out lit up a cigarette. He looked at us, I pointed to the no smoking sign over his shoulder, he took a long drag, blew the smoke in my face and then flicked the cigarette over the side and walked away.:rolleyes::cool:

 

That's just rude and wrong on several levels. What an *** hat.

[arom729]

People were allergic years back, they just felt a bit more powerless to do anything about it then. I started having major allergy issues back when I was a teenager, and that was 30ish years ago. I had allergy testing done, and tobacco smoke was what caused the worst reaction.

 

Now, for me, it's not any kind of deathly reaction. I get congestion, sneezing, tightness in the throat...things like that. It doesn't kill me, and a passing whiff doesn't affect me significantly, but significant exposure can make me feel bad for a day or two after the exposure.

 

By the way, I've heard before the supposed "fact" that you can't be allergic to tobacco, but that's pretty much BS. And the sources that do claim that usually acknowledge that you can have symptoms that mimic allergy, but it's not really an allergy. OK - whatever. But most allergies are caused by the body's overreaction to certain proteins, and last I checked, there are proteins in all plants and animals, including tobacco, so I don't buy the "impossible to be allergic" claim. But whether my reaction is a true allergy or an "allergy-like reaction" doesn't make much difference in how I feel.

 

*Caveat* I don't dispute that people could be allergic to tobacco, but those people aren't allergic to smoke.

 

This information came to me from my allergist (I suffer from many environmental allergies, some severe, and like you, a 24 hour pill does little--so I get weekly shots now): people who have seasonal and environmental allergies are often also very sensitive to smoke, perfumes, any other strong smells, and pressure changes. These triggers can cause allergic-like reactions, and in if you have asthma, asthma-like symptoms. It is because the nasal passasgeways are SO sensitive that coming into contact with these things irritates them. However it is not an allergic response (i.e., histamines).

 

When I'm around cigarette smoke, I too get a runny nose or a headache. Same thing happens if I use heavily scented hand soap or come into contact with strong perfume. But it's not an "allergy."

[Big Feet]

I have a severe allergy to smoke and if I smell smoke I start coughing and wheezing. So please be mindful of people who have severe allergies to tobacco and if they ask you politely to move away then please be mindful of

that. Other than that I know what areas to avoid etc.

 

Its all too often that I have politely asked a smoker to please smoke away from me due to my allergy that they became defensive. I went on to tell them if someone had a severe peanut allergy or food allergy and they asked you not to open your peanuts you would do anything within reason to help them.

 

If anyone becomes defensive with me after making my polite request I will be reporting them to an officer especially if they smoke in an area that is deemed non-smoking.

 

There needs to be better signage with regards to the smoking and non-smoking areas and it should be enforced especially with people who have a severe allergy to tobacco.

 

There has a been a lot of times when I stat wheezing to the point of becoming tired and it took some time to catch my breath. Its not asthma as my doctor checked me out for it he says I have an allergy to the tobacco.

 

I am so thankful for being allergic to tobacco since I can save money for other things and not waste it on a cancerous item.

 

What I don't get is why can you bring on your own cigaretts but you cannot bring more than 2 bottles of wine to enjoy in your stateroom? I drink wine and beer because it helps my condition. I want RCCL to confiscate cigaretts if people can't follow the rules with smoking.

 

I was inside the solarium and people started smoking in the sitting area where it was not even open. I told them to please move as I was sitting on my lounger and I have an allergy to smoke. I was there before them and this couple was rude especially after being polite to them and saying how my allergy can cause me a severe reaction. They just laughed at me and continued.

 

This is why I think RCCL should have a section of balconys where you cannot smoke on your balcony so those with allergies to tobacco can enjoy their balcony and if you don't want your kids to breath in the secondhand smoke.

 

 

In my opinion smokers should be very aware of non-smokers and they should learn that when a person who has an allergy to tobacco to move away after being politely told of their allergy. Heck if someone told me they had an allergy to a food item I would do everything in my power to help them avoid the food. If I was a smoker and someone told me that they had an allergy I would put out my cigarette or move and apologize.

 

Sorry for my rant but this is a true and diagnosed allergy. I have taken so much time to learn where the smoking and non-smoking areas are and smokers who don't follow the rules should be kicked off the ship. In my opinion if you want to smoke do so in your designated areas. There are designated areas for a reason such as this.

 

I look forward to reading comments from both smokers and non-smokers and those with allergies to the smoke to see how you cope.

I'm allergic to Jack Daniels and Red Wine--- should I ask everyone at the bars and dining room to stop drinking those 2?

[Paul65]

*Caveat* I don't dispute that people could be allergic to tobacco, but those people aren't allergic to smoke.

 

This information came to me from my allergist (I suffer from many environmental allergies, some severe, and like you, a 24 hour pill does little--so I get weekly shots now): people who have seasonal and environmental allergies are often also very sensitive to smoke, perfumes, any other strong smells, and pressure changes. These triggers can cause allergic-like reactions, and in if you have asthma, asthma-like symptoms. It is because the nasal passasgeways are SO sensitive that coming into contact with these things irritates them. However it is not an allergic response (i.e., histamines).

 

When I'm around cigarette smoke, I too get a runny nose or a headache. Same thing happens if I use heavily scented hand soap or come into contact with strong perfume. But it's not an "allergy."

 

All I can say is that the allergist I went to years ago tested several things on me (using a skin test) and told me that one of the things I was allergic to was cigarette smoke. I didn't argue with him.

 

But, I suppose, if you believe that all the proteins in tobacco are 100% destroyed in the smoking process, with no traces remaining in the smoke, you could be right that it cannot cause an allergic response.

[Mark_K]

Is there such a thing as a "severe allergy" to Cigarette smoke and tobacco without having the same condition to all types of smoke?

 

The mind boggles:rolleyes:

Most people who are "allergic" to smoke are just sensitive to it, which doesn't change/negate the symptoms, but does change possible treatments. e.g. Antihistamines won't help much.

[Paul65]

Is there such a thing as a "severe allergy" to Cigarette smoke and tobacco without having the same condition to all types of smoke?

 

The mind boggles:rolleyes:

 

Of course, because the chemicals in tobacco smoke are not going to be exactly the same as all other types of smoke. I know someone allergic to oranges, but not other kinds of citrus fruit. Allergies can be very specific.

[arom729]

All I can say is that the allergist I went to years ago tested several things on me (using a skin test) and told me that one of the things I was allergic to was cigarette smoke. I didn't argue with him.

 

But, I suppose, if you believe that all the proteins in tobacco are 100% destroyed in the smoking process, with no traces remaining in the smoke, you could be right that it cannot cause an allergic response.

 

 

I'm not sure about that last part. I will concede, though, that if you are allergic to tobacco and there are traces of it in the cigarette or cigar smoke, then the specific reaction could be allergic. But I think it's more often a sensitivity and not an allergy.

[arom729]

Most people who are "allergic" to smoke are just sensitive to it, which doesn't change/negate the symptoms, but does change possible treatments. e.g. Antihistamines won't help much.

 

Exactly. My allergist said I will probably always need nasal sprays to help with sensitivities even if my allergy shots get my allergic reactions under control.

[iheartbda]

Medicine is an art and doctors will use the words "Possibility" and "Could" all the time until tests and procedures firm up the diagnosis.

 

Ongoing debate over whether medicine is an art or science....I learn toward science.;)

 

I was responding to one particular poster who offered an explanation that seemed pure conjecture on their part with no medical reference to back it up. Sulfites are a known allergen trigger contained in beer, wine, and cocktails.

 

Anyway, I don't think the medical community is using words like possibility and could when talking about the reactions to sulfites.

[Alexru12]

it is obvious that everyone on this page has access to a computer. please GOOGLE "is it possible to be allergic to cigarette smoke"

[Paul65]

it is obvious that everyone on this page has access to a computer. please GOOGLE "is it possible to be allergic to cigarette smoke"

 

Been there, done that. You'll find various answers. There are some pro-smoking sites that will say no and some neutral sites that will avoid the controversy and just say that it can cause allergy-like symptoms or aggravate allergies. Even those sites that want to claim there is no such thing as "allergy" to cigarette smoke usually acknowledge that it can cause the same symptoms as an allergy in those who are sensitive. So, there is no really practical purpose for drawing the distinction. The main use of the distinction, that I have seen, is to try to harass and discredit anyone who says they are allergic to tobacco smoke.

[Mark_K]

it is obvious that everyone on this page has access to a computer. please GOOGLE "is it possible to be allergic to cigarette smoke"

Yes, it is possible, but that doesn't mean that most people who say they are allergic, actually are, particularly in the true medical sense of "allergic". Most often tobacco smoke is an irritant and/or a trigger to other allergic reactions.

[Alexru12]

i have never found a site yet that says you can be allergic to cigarette smoke, you can be sensitive, you can be extremely sensitive, it can cause allergy like symptoms....but you can't be allergic

i am not saying this to knock those that are sensitive, but get your wording, symptoms, diseases right.

smoke may cause you distress, but you cannot die from an allergic reaction to it...nope...not possible

otherwise there would be an epi pen....don'tcha think

i gave up tobacco a while ago so this isn't a anti non smoker rant, just quit exaggerating,

just saying you are severely sensitive to it is dramatic enough

[Paul65]

i have never found a site yet that says you can be allergic to cigarette smoke, you can be sensitive, you can be extremely sensitive, it can cause allergy like symptoms....but you can't be allergic

i am not saying this to knock those that are sensitive, but get your wording, symptoms, diseases right.

smoke may cause you distress, but you cannot die from an allergic reaction to it...nope...not possible

otherwise there would be an epi pen....don'tcha think

i gave up tobacco a while ago so this isn't a anti non smoker rant, just quit exaggerating,

just saying you are severely sensitive to it is dramatic enough

 

No. You're not thinking correctly. Allergy does not necessarily mean epi-pen or anaphylaxis. Many people are allergic to other things, such as pollens, that cause reactions, but not the type that require an epi-pen.

[NLH Arizona]

I'm allergic to cats, so I don't own one and don't go to people's houses that have them. In saying that, if I were to be allergic to cigarette smoke, I would (1) turn in anyone smoking in the non-smoking section (and that is the only thing that I have any right to complain about) and (2) stay out of the smoking areas, including the casino. But to expect a cruise line to change their rules, is way beyond realistic.

 

I'm an ex-smoker (31 years clean and I smoked 3 packs a day), I hate the smell of smoke, but am realistic enough to realize that people still smoke. I hate getting into an elevator with someone who just smoked (stinky), but if I want to use the elevator, it is something I have to endure without complaining to them because they have the same right to ride the elevator. I dislike sitting next to someone at the casino that is smoking, but if I want to play the slots (which I do), I put up with the smoke. There have been times when I have asked a smoker if they would place their ashtray on the other side and it is a coin toss whether they will do it...if they don't I can (1) stay there or (2) move.

 

There are rude people on both sides of the smoking controversy. There are those non-smokers who feel that no one should smoke and they will tell them so and be rude when entering a smoking area. There are those smokers who feel that they can smoke anywhere they want and a rude when someone points out that they are in a non-smoking area. Will it ever change, not as long as we live.

[Alexru12]

i am thinking correctly, in order to be allergic to something, it must contain a protein....

Smoke-Aggravated Allergies:

 

Allergens are small particles that are made up of proteins that the body has mistaken for a dangerous intruder like a virus or other germ. Smoke contains tiny tar ash particles (that form a white cloud as the tobacco burns), but these are not the same as a true allergen because they are not protein based.

Smoke particles are classified as an irritant, which can cause you quite a bit of discomfort, worsen illnesses like asthma and allergies, and cause other serious health problems. So, no one can truly be allergic to smoke, but they may actually be suffering from a complication of their existing allergies or another illness.

If you have allergies or allergic asthma, smoke can trigger an allergic reaction because it is putting an extra strain on your body and immune system. The speck of cat dander drifting through the air might not have usually set off a violent reaction, but with the addition of tobacco smoke, your body can no longer handle the allergens. Asthma becomes dangerous when mixed with exposure to tobacco smoke-even deadly for some.

You are likely to experience complications to existing allergies if:

 

1. You know that you are allergic to other things like pollen, pets, mold or dust mites.
   
2. You have eczema or food allergies.
   

Treatment

 

• Avoid as many situations as you can where you are exposed to smoke.
  
• See an allergist to optimize your existing allergy treatment, or see if you have developed new allergies.
  
• Run an air purifier to reduce the number of allergens in the air. Even a smaller, portable air filter like IQ Air's HealthPro is effective at removing allergens in guest rooms of smoking family members.
  

[jamscckmc]

I am a no smoker but believe smokers have rights too and there should be designated smoking areas.

 

Princess recently made all their balconies nonsmoking so that's another option. We were on there in September in Alaska spending hours looking at glaciers and it was great. The air is so clean there the smoke would have taken away from that.

 

I'm surprised Princess waited so long to stop smoking on balconies after the fire on the Star. We were on the 1st cruise after the repairs. We were holding our breath for months worried our cruise would be canceled. Just looking at the melted balconies was really scary. I would hate to be in he middle of the ocean and have a fire.

 

I have found butts on my balcony from up above and occasionally been on my balcony and had ashes flying on me. The only time I have said anything was when I witnessed someone throw a lit cigarette overboard. I got the bird from him and wished I just told a crew member.

[hazeleyez3]

I have a severe allergy to smoke and if I smell smoke I start coughing and wheezing. So please be mindful of people who have severe allergies to tobacco and if they ask you politely to move away then please be mindful of

that. Other than that I know what areas to avoid etc.

 

Its all too often that I have politely asked a smoker to please smoke away from me due to my allergy that they became defensive. I went on to tell them if someone had a severe peanut allergy or food allergy and they asked you not to open your peanuts you would do anything within reason to help them.

 

If anyone becomes defensive with me after making my polite request I will be reporting them to an officer especially if they smoke in an area that is deemed non-smoking.

 

There needs to be better signage with regards to the smoking and non-smoking areas and it should be enforced especially with people who have a severe allergy to tobacco.

 

There has a been a lot of times when I stat wheezing to the point of becoming tired and it took some time to catch my breath. Its not asthma as my doctor checked me out for it he says I have an allergy to the tobacco.

 

I am so thankful for being allergic to tobacco since I can save money for other things and not waste it on a cancerous item.

 

What I don't get is why can you bring on your own cigaretts but you cannot bring more than 2 bottles of wine to enjoy in your stateroom? I drink wine and beer because it helps my condition. I want RCCL to confiscate cigaretts if people can't follow the rules with smoking.

 

I was inside the solarium and people started smoking in the sitting area where it was not even open. I told them to please move as I was sitting on my lounger and I have an allergy to smoke. I was there before them and this couple was rude especially after being polite to them and saying how my allergy can cause me a severe reaction. They just laughed at me and continued.

 

This is why I think RCCL should have a section of balconys where you cannot smoke on your balcony so those with allergies to tobacco can enjoy their balcony and if you don't want your kids to breath in the secondhand smoke.

 

 

In my opinion smokers should be very aware of non-smokers and they should learn that when a person who has an allergy to tobacco to move away after being politely told of their allergy. Heck if someone told me they had an allergy to a food item I would do everything in my power to help them avoid the food. If I was a smoker and someone told me that they had an allergy I would put out my cigarette or move and apologize.

 

Sorry for my rant but this is a true and diagnosed allergy. I have taken so much time to learn where the smoking and non-smoking areas are and smokers who don't follow the rules should be kicked off the ship. In my opinion if you want to smoke do so in your designated areas. There are designated areas for a reason such as this.

 

I look forward to reading comments from both smokers and non-smokers and those with allergies to the smoke to see how you cope.

 

Ok, I am a non-smoker. Not allergic to smoke, but don't like the smell of cigarette and tobacco smoke.

 

That being said, unless I am in an area that is non-smoking, I have no right to ask a smoker to move. Saying something like "Excuse me sir, I know we are in a smoking section but could you please move away from me. I don't like (or even am allergic to) cigarette smoke" makes absolutely no sense.

 

I have three choices, 1) tolerate it, 2) move away, or 3) completely avoid the area.

[ck53]

To the OP I think you are over reacting especially when you know RCCL policy. Other than the overly rude people who smoke in non smoking areas, I don't think you have a leg to stand on.

 

As the the banning of a passenger's cigarette amount is silly. RCCL says 2 bottles of wine because there is a possibility of you having an accident or going overboard while being intoxicated. That doesn't have w/ cigarettes and RCCL isn't overly concerned about you getting cancer.

[Happy2cruise]

To the OP: I, for one, would love it if RC adopted a more restrictive smoking policy. In the meantime, it is what it is. If a person is smoking in an area where the policy permits, such as their balcony, it is not my place to ask them to stop -- even if their smoke is affecting me. May I offer a suggestion that has worked well for me: try Celebrity. They now have no interior smoking at all, and no smoking on balconies. The outdoor areas where smoking is permitted are easily avoided. :cool:

 

Princess also has a smoking policy very similar to Celebrity.