The one thing people with allergies or asthma should never do

A wellness ritual to avoid

One new study examining the rapid health decline of a woman with asthma has linked a popular wellness habit to a range of health issues. Here’s why experts are warning against the activity. 

For adults and children living with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions, recognising environmental and behavioural triggers is crucial to avoiding attacks and long-term risks. 

As a result, asthmatics and allergy-prone individuals tend to be hyper-aware of their health, relying on medications and proactive measures to ensure they are not placing themselves at risk with their surroundings. 

But one seemingly harmless and common habit many people incorporate into their routines at home could be detrimental to our health, experts behind a new study warn. 

According to the latest research, burning incense regularly could lead to various health issues, such as headaches, respiratory dysfunction and skin sensitivity. 

For centuries, burning incense has been an integral ritual in many cultures, being commonly practised for religious and cultural reasons, such as meditations, celebrations and spiritual and ancestral worship. 

There is also a wellness and relaxation aspect to the common ritual, with many opting to burn incense in their homes or workplaces to prompt a calming sensory experience. 

However, according to experts behind a medical case presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, burning incense is likely linked to significant risks to adults and children with asthma, allergies or chronic health issues.

Burning incense is likely linked to significant risks to adults and children with asthma. Image: Pexels

The medical case that exposed incense

As explained by the team reporting on the medical case, an 87-year-old woman presented in hospital with unexpected shortness of breath. The woman, who had a known history of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was already on oxygen therapy at the time of her attack. 

"A detailed history revealed daily incense burning,” says Gomeo Lam, the lead author on the paper, who explains the woman initially refused to stop burning incense as the practice allowed her to express homage and veneration for ancestors.

“We then advised she use electric incense devices, which resulted in improvement of her symptoms."

Burning incense has been an integral ritual in many cultures. Image: Pexels

What’s really inside an incense stick?

As explained in the research, incense fumes contain nigh traces of carbon, sulfur, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and other polycyclic aromatic volatile compounds that are carcinogenic. 

And while many may assume a small incense stick only releases a harmless amount of fumes, experts say particulate matter generated from incense is 45 mg per gram burned, versus 10 mg from cigarettes.

"People who burn incense may not realise that family members, including children, who are exposed to secondhand smoke, face health consequences," adds allergist Mary Lee-Wong, senior author of the study and ACAAI member.

"Similar to tobacco smoke, thirdhand incense smoke may linger in furniture, clothing, and other articles, dissipating for months afterwards."

The chemical matter released by burning incense may cause headaches, respiratory dysfunction, dermatologic sensitivity and allergic reactions in adults and children. Moreover, burning incense contributes to air pollution and can also be a fire hazard in homes

While acknowledging the cultural significance of the practice to some people, experts argue the health risks associated are too great to overlook and recommend replacing the ritual with electric or aromatic vapours when possible. 

Originally published as The one thing people with allergies or asthma should never do