Cigarette Smoke in the Home

Specialties Home Health

Published

  • Specializes in ICU/ER/Med-Surg/Case Management/Manageme.

I think I may have developed an allergy to cigarette smoke.

I smoked for years but quit years ago. Now, it seems, I simply cannot tolerate even a little bit of cigarette smoke. Each and every time I have to go into a home where a smoker resides, I end up with a sinus infection. Thus far, not enough to require antibiotics, but enough to make me feel miserable for a few days. And it seems to be getting worse.

Anyone else experience this and if so, what did you do? I'm feeling seriously bad! Thanks for any suggestions.

That sounds awful. I've not experienced developing any allergies from cannabis/nicotine smoke in the homes. I've never been a smoker and don't care for it. Most of my clients try to be respectful and not smoke when I'm there. I realize that doesn't get the smoke out, however. When I leave a home, I tend to roll down my windows and let myself air out on the drive even in cold weather. Hopefully others have a better answer for you!

DallasRN

276 Posts

Specializes in ICU/ER/Med-Surg/Case Management/Manageme.

Rolling down the windows isn't much of an option here today. I think the wind chill was in the 20's. Chilly, chilly! But seriously, I have started carrying some of that Febreeze fabric spray with me but fact is, the smoke is in my nasal passages and nothing gets rid of it. As I mentioned, I did smoke years back and I've always said I was born smoking...everyone in my family did. I remember having colds frequently and also having those colds turn into chest colds in a flash. Just seems odd that now I'd get so sick so quickly just from the exposure.

I know of a couple of nurses that refuse patients in homes with animals due to allergies. I hate to think I may have to end up refusing patients in homes with smokers but based on the way I'm feeling now, it may be my only option.

TAKOO01, BSN

1 Article; 257 Posts

If you can refuse, then do so. I personally hated this part of home care, and i luckily only had a few pts who smoked. I never thought of outright refusal, and i should have. When it came to pets i told them they had to be restrained in order to have the visit. Would some vicks or other menthol product on your upper lip be helpful?

DallasRN

276 Posts

Specializes in ICU/ER/Med-Surg/Case Management/Manageme.

I don't know that Vicks, etc. would help. The smoke odor (or whatever it is) gets into my nasal passages and that's it. I'm done for. It's gotten so I feel it almost immediately.

I'm good with pets (I'm a definite animal person) unless I'm doing wound care or the pet presents a trip/fall risk to patient. Just that blasted cigarette smoke. I'm thinking of trying a mask. I really hate to refuse a patient for this reason and not to mention that puts others in a bad position - having to ask if there are smokers in the home.

Interesting the things we run in to in home care, isn't it?

blueindigo79

163 Posts

Hi,

One thing that might help ( i use with pollen, allergy season) is a nasal rinse, like a neti pot/Neilmed sinus rinse. It flushes out your passages. good luck!

fsudmbRN, ASN

36 Posts

Specializes in RN, Staff Developer, ADON.

My agency won't allow me to refuse a visit, so I wear a mask in those homes. In addition, I ask that they not smoke while I am in the home. If they refuse, I tell them that I am sorry, but I have to leave their home.

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