Sinusitis Causes – Lifestyle Causes - Smoking and Sinusitis

Smoking and Sinusitis - An adult produces approximately one liter of mucus a day in the nose and sinuses, most of which is carried through the nose and down the back of the throat where it is swallowed. We are generally unaware of this constant cleansing movement, which is facilitated by microscopic hairs called cilia that beat inside nasal and sinus passages. Cigarette smoke, however, slows down the sweeping action of the cilia. The thin mucus blanket that covers the nose and sinus lining thickens, and postnasal drainage can become quite thick and noticeable. Smokers are less likely than non-smokers to have the same degree of improvement after sinus surgery. Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause similar problems – even if you are not yourself a smoker.