Can wood smoke cause an allergic reaction?

@Arle posted:

I was wondering about woodsmoke in general. If an asthmatic is in the vicinity of a campfire or bonfire or even inside a home with a fireplace in use?

@Arle,

inhaling wood smoke is not good for anyone's lungs. Regarding whether or not wood smoke is worse than the smoke produced from other things that you could burn (e.g. paper, plastic, leaves, etc.) --the answer depends.

Whenever you burn something, byproducts are created.

Burnt wood results in things like water, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Burnt plastics release things like hydrochloric acid, SOx, dioxins, furans, and heavy metals (e.g. mercury).

Breathing in any of these gases, chemicals, etc is typically harmful to the human body. If any of these byproducts were inhaled in excess would likely result in serious health problems.

@Arle, Compton's response is spot on. I'll add that the process of burning (i.e. combustion) creates lots of byproducts that are bad for everyone's lungs --especially asthmatics.

Welcome, @Arle! It's good to have you here.Yes, smoke of any kind is part of What Causes or Triggers Asthma?  Every year, wildfire season is an ordeal for members in AAFA. Closer to your question is a topic does wood smoke from backyard fire pits bother you too?

I hope we can give you good answers and you'll join in the discussions at the Asthma Support forum.

I was wondering about woodsmoke in general. If an asthmatic is in the vicinity of a campfire or bonfire or even inside a home with a fireplace in use?