Effects of exposure to incense smoke associated with impaired lung function and respiratory disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Incense (bakhour) is used by the community through ceremonies, traditional health practices, and aromatherapy. Nevertheless, evidence from experiments and studies of populations suggests that a habit of burning incense makes the lungs work less well. The study investigated the relationship between exposure to incense smoke and impaired lung function and respiratory diseases. Data tracing was carried out systematically by following PRISMA guidelines and establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria for filtering, selecting, and including articles registered in the PROSPERO database. This study describes respiratory symptoms/ diseases, home use of incense, and lung function measurement. Six articles were included; 6 articles (100%) reported using incense indoors, and five (83%) reported using incense outside the home. Respiratory symptoms and diseases caused by exposure to incense sticks are 5 (83%) shortness of breath, 6 (100%) wheezing, asthma, and inflammation of the lungs, 2 (33%) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 4 (67%) allergic rhinitis. Incense smoke particles decrease lung function based on FVC, FEV, PEFR, and FEF values of 25–75%. The results indicate that smoking incense adversely affects lung function and leads to respiratory diseases. The community and related parties can minimize and conduct education and prevention related to simultaneous incense exposure in the community to reduce the burden of diseases and disorders due to respiratory incense smoke in areas that use it daily.