Is it possible to have an allergy to tobacco?

Everytime I smell someone smoking, I get a sore throat, a headache, itchy watery eyes, break out in hives, and I get really really drowsy. I've actually been unconscious twice for 16 hours from being in a smoke filled room.



I've been near the tobacco plant itself and it rubbed against my skin and I developed a rash from it that lasted a good three days. The rash was only in the spot where the plant had rubbed against my arm.



Yet I have read online that it isnt possible to be allergic to tobacco. I clearly have something here.



I am also allergic to mold, grass pollen, and I am suspectible to hay fever.

Is it possible to have an allergy to tobacco?
Yes, it is possible to be allergic to tobacco. I went for allergy testing a year ago and the allergist tested me for foods and environmental allergies, one of which was tobacco. I tested positive, but it is only a mild allergy. It seems as though yours is pretty severe. Maybe try going to an allergist to get skin tested and hopefully he will have an answer and some advice to give you if you test positive.
Reply:Yes tobacco allergies are very common. Our niece is allergic to tobacco smoke.
Reply:Yes, you may be allergic to the tobacco, AND to the other toxic byproducts that are generated when it is burned. You may well have a chemical sensitivity as well as allergy.



Cigarettes are not pure tobacco the manufacturers doctor the mix with all sorts of chemical additives, and also add chemicals to them and/or the paper to keep them burning when they would otherwise just go out on their own.
Reply:I would prefer to call this smoke irritation, or intoxication

if you are allergic exposition is one of the ways to fight
Reply:It is possible to be allergic to anything, especially if you have other allergies. I would say it is likely the chemicals used in cigarettes that bothers you but if you have had a reaction to an untreated plant it is likely the tobacco itself that bothers you. I would trust your reactions over anything you read online.