What’s the Link Between Sinusitis and Smoking?

People who smoke tend to report having sinusitis. But it’s one of the many symptoms that can be curable by quitting or reducing a smoking habit.

Smoking can affect your health in several ways. It can irritate your nasal cavity and cause the structures that clean your nose to stop working. These effects can lead to increased infections, including sinusitis.

Quitting smoking can help repair the damage to your nasal cavity and reduce the risk of sinusitis and other infections.

Can smoking cause sinusitis or a sinus infection?

Sinusitis is a sinus infection caused by sinus swelling. Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can also cause it.

Smoke is a common irritant for your sinuses and respiratory system. When you smoke , it can damage the cilia inside your nasal cavity. Cilia are microscopic hair-like structures that trap debris and mucus to prevent infections. When cilia experience damage, the risk of infections increases.

Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can both cause damage to cilia.

Smoking can also damage your sinuses further. It can change the tissue inside your nasal cavity, slow cell repair, and lower your immune response, making it harder for your body to clear infections.

Additionally, smoking-related side effects, such as coughing, can make symptoms of sinusitis feel more severe or become chronic .

Will my sinuses clear up if I quit smoking?

Quitting smoking has multiple known health benefits . If you have chronic sinusitis from smoking, quitting can help clear your sinuses. When you quit smoking, the cilia in your nose can regenerate. However, this is a slow process, and you might not immediately notice the results.

Some people experience a runny nose and other nasal symptoms when they first quit smoking. These indicate withdrawal that can resolve as your body adjusts. With time, the health of your nose, nasal cavity, and entire respiratory system may improve by quitting smoking.

How to clear sinuses after smoking

It can take up to 10 years for the damage to your sinuses to reverse after you quit smoking. The exact timeline can vary and may depend on factors such as how long you smoked and how many cigarettes you smoked each day. However, you can clear your sinuses while you wait for your cilia to heal.

In general, sinusitis treatments don’t differ for smokers or those who are quitting, and you might get results from standard treatments . For instance, nasal washes may help many people find symptom relief. Other options can include:

• Nasal saline sprays: Nasal saline sprays can help clear sinuses and reduce swelling. You can typically buy these over the counter.
• Nasal corticosteroids: A doctor might recommend a prescription nasal corticosteroid spray to reduce swelling if your symptoms are frequent or difficult to manage.
• Oral or injectable corticosteroids: These may help relieve more severe symptoms.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can clear an acute infection caused by bacteria. They can help provide fast relief, but a doctor must prescribe the right ones for you.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy or “ allergy shots ” can help reduce your symptoms if allergies cause sinusitis.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure that can remove inflamed and damaged tissue, potentially clearing sinuses. It can be an option for people with severe sinusitis symptoms.

Resources to quit or reduce smoking habits

Quitting or reducing your smoking habit can be one of the best ways to manage your health. It can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. When you’re ready, many organizations can help you.

You can check out:

• Smokefree.gov: Smokefree.gov is a U.S. federal government program. It offers guided support for almost anyone ready to quit smoking. You can find general guidance and advice tailored to groups such as teens, women, adults 60 years and older, and veterans.
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline: The SAMSHA’s National Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach SAMSHA by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or using their online locator . Once you connect, they can match you with local counseling, support groups, medical support, and more.
• The National Texting Portal: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides this service. Text the portal at any time to get support and advice. Reach the portal by texting QUITNOW to 333888.
• The quitSTART app: Another free and phone-based option, the quitSTART app is designed to motivate you. It offers tips, progress tracking, and ways to manage cravings. You can find it in Apple and Google Play stores.

Takeaway

Smoking can irritate the lining of your nose and damage the infection-clearing cilia in your nasal cavity, increasing your risk of sinusitis.

Quitting smoking can improve your health and allow your cilia to regrow. Treatment options like nasal washes, corticosteroids, antibiotics, immunotherapy, and surgery can help manage your symptoms while your body heals.