12/22/2025
Inside your nose, tiny hair-like structures called cilia work nonstop to move mucus, trap allergens, and clear out bacteria and viruses. This process, known as mucociliary clearance, is your body’s first line of airway defense. Cigarette smoke — including secondhand smoke — disrupts this system. Toxic compounds in smoke can slow cilia movement, damage their structure, thicken mucus, and delay clearance. When mucus becomes stagnant, inflammation increases, sinus drainage can become blocked, and the risk of recurrent sinus infections rises.
The good news? Quitting smoking can help reverse some of this damage. Supporting nasal health with saline rinses may also help by moisturizing nasal tissues and flushing out irritants, allergens, and bacteria-filled mucus, encouraging healthier mucociliary function.
Learn how smoking affects nasal defenses, sinus infections, and what steps may help protect your sinuses in our article, written by board-certified ENT Dr. Douglas Leventhal.
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