If
you have constantly clogged and swollen nose and sinuses, secondhand smoke -
even in small amounts - may be one to blame! Although the harmful effects of
smoking are well recognized, the secondhand smoke (also known as passive smoke)
also can cause or contribute to various health problems. Passive smoke contains
over 4000 substances, of which many are strong irritants, and over 50 are
either known or suspected to cause cancer. And - according to the newest
studies, secondhand smoke may be responsible for up to 40% of cases of chronic sinusitis!
In
the study by dr. Tammemagi et al. (published in the Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery journal)
observed were 306 non-smoking patients who had been diagnosed as having chronic
rhinosinusitis. The chronic sinusitis describes a range of unpleasant symptoms (lasting
for 12 weeks or more!) that include nasal and sinus inflammation, congestion,
cough, runny nose, breathing difficulties, and a reduced sense of smell. It is
estimated that 16-20% of adults are suffering from this disease. In the United
States only - chronic sinusitis is responsible for approximately 22 million
physician visits and more than 500 000 emergency department visits
annually!
In
described study - the exposure of 306 non-smoking patients with sinusitis to
secondhand smoke at home, work, in public places and at private social
functions was compared with that of 306 individuals who were the same age, sex
and race but did not have sinusitis. In each setting, more people diagnosed
with sinusitis reported being exposed to secondhand smoke. For instance - more
than 50% of those with sinusitis said they’d inhaled secondhand smoke at
private parties and social functions, compared to just 28% of those who did not
have sinusitis! In general - about 40% of chronic sinusitis cases in the study seemed
to be attributable to passive smoking.
Secondhand
smoke is already known to cause many other diseases. Passive smoke exposure
increases susceptibility to respiratory infections or worsens infection in adults
and children. As a factor which may predispose someone to develop sinusitis,
secondhand smoke can inhibit immune cells and function, impair sinonasal
mucociliary clearance (the self-clearing mechanism of the nose and sinuses),
increase susceptibility to certain bacteria, and enhance allergic reactions to
inhaled allergens.
It
is estimated that 60-80 percent of all non-smokers in developed countries are
exposed to secondhand smoke, making it a major public health problem. On the basis
of findings of above mentioned study, patients who are susceptible to chronic sinusitis
or who have chronic sinusitis should avoid exposure to secondhand smoke!
ENT specialist Dubai ENT specialist Dubai ENT specialist Dubai
REF:
Tammemagi CM et al. Secondhand
Smoke as a Potential Cause of Chronic Rhinosinusitis. A Case-Control Study. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;136(4):327-334. doi:10.1001/archoto.2010.43.
ENT specialist Dubai
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