Sinus infections cause inflammation, or swelling, of the sinuses. This is also known as sinusitis. As smoke is a common irritant, smoking can impact the nasal cavity and may lead to infections such as sinusitis.
The sinuses are the empty spaces behind the forehead and cheekbones. They have various functions, such as protecting the skull in case of injury, keeping bacteria at bay, and allowing mucus to drain.
According to the
This article will explain whether smoking can cause sinus infections. It will also explain the symptoms of a sinus infection and how smoking can affect nose health.
A sinus infection is a condition that causes swelling of the sinuses. Doctors also call it sinusitis or rhinosinusitis. Sinusitis is a
Smoking can
If the cilia stop working or become immobilized, a person may become predisposed to infections. Damage to the cilia in the nasal cavity can result from:
- allergens
- irritants such as smoke, secondhand smoke, animal dander, pollution, and dust
- viruses
- fungi
- bacteria
Other possible causes of a sinus infection include previous colds, seasonal allergies, and a weak immune system.
Sinus infections can be either acute or chronic. An acute sinus infection may be part of a cold and last only a few days. A chronic sinus infection can last more than 8 weeks.
Symptoms of a sinus infection
Symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- stuffy, blocked nose resulting from swelling of the nasal passages
- nasal discharge, which is usually cloudy, green or yellow, or tinged with blood
- runny nose
- throbbing headache
- facial pressure and pain, particularly around the eyes, forehead, and nose
- postnasal drip, which is mucus dripping down the throat
- sore throat
- cough
- bad breath
Most sinus infections get better without treatment.
Cigarettes contain various toxic or poisonous substances such as tar, formaldehyde, arsenic, and benzene. As part of the respiratory system’s defense against pathogens and pollutants, the cilia transport debris, microbes, and other dangerous materials out of the airways.
The toxic substances in cigarette smoke
Smoking also harms the sinuses by:
- impairing the tissue in the nasal cavity
- diminishing cough reflex sensitivity
- causing persistent damage to DNA, which can result in mutations and lack of repair
- inducing cell death
Long-term effects of smoking on the nose
- structural and functional changes in the respiratory system
- inflammation
- obstruction of the airways
- defects in the immune system
- chronic dysfunction
- tissue repair problems
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a sinus infection that lasts longer than 8 weeks. Exposure to irritants such as smoking and secondhand cigarette smoke may contribute to the development of chronic sinusitis.
Other types of sinusitis are viral, bacterial, and allergic.
Read more about chronic sinusitis.
Nasal cancer
According to the
Smoking may damage the DNA of the cells that line the nasal cavity.
Quitting smoking can significantly affect overall health, including the health of the nose and nasal cavity.
A
When a person quits smoking, the cilia in the nasal cavity will regenerate. This is an indication that the body is healing. It may take years, however.
When a person is quitting smoking, they may experience symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including a runny nose.
According to the
The health benefits of quitting smoking can begin the minute a person stops and continue over time.
| Length of time after quitting | Health benefits |
| several minutes | decreased heart rate |
| 24 hours | lower level of nicotine in the blood |
| several days | lower level of carbon monoxide in the blood |
| 1 year | decrease in symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing |
| 2 years | lower risk of heart attack |
| 5–10 years | lower risk of certain cancers, such as bladder and kidney cancers |
The benefits of quitting smoking can
- reducing the risk of premature death and improving life expectancy
- improving quality of life
- reducing the risk of various health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- reducing the risk of 12 types of cancer, including lung cancer
- reducing the overall financial burden of smoking
- reducing inflammation in the body
- reducing the risk of stroke
- reducing respiratory symptoms
Quitting smoking can be of great benefit for a person at any age, no matter how long they have smoked.
Although quitting smoking can be challenging, with the right approach, it is possible to break the habit. A person may find the following
- nicotine replacement therapies, such as:
- gum
- lozenges
- patches
- inhalers
- nasal sprays
- medications such as varenicline and bupropion
- counseling services that can help a person make a plan to quit and cope with withdrawal symptoms when quitting
- free resources and programs, such as those from the
CDC
Smoking can contribute to sinus infections because the toxins in cigarettes can damage the cilia in the nasal cavity. Cilia ensure that the nose, lungs, and sinuses are free of pathogens and mucus — without them, infections such as sinusitis are more likely to happen.
Smoking can affect a person’s overall health in various ways. No matter how long someone has smoked, quitting can provide various health benefits, including reducing the risk of serious health conditions and premature death.