Upper-respiratory problems have declined among bartenders since the state of Wisconsin banned indoor smoking in most public spaces, the Wisconsin State Journal reported Feb. 28.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin at Madison said that eight symptoms of upper-respiratory problems decreased among nonsmoking bar and tavern employees after the smoking ban took effect last July. Symptoms included wheezing or whistling in the chest, shortness of breath, morning cough, coughing up phlegm, runny nose, and sore throat.

"This shows that the health of the bartenders has improved after only a few months of the policy being put into place," said researcher Patrick Remington. "It reduces the current symptoms and reduces the possibility of disease in the long run."

Bartender Terrie Roddy, who has asthma, said she has "noticed that after a busy, night it's quite easier to breathe. It's great. It's a much nicer environment to work in. You don't go home with the smelly clothes ... You can wake up in the morning feeling good."