Everybody knows that smoking is bad, but not many people know that smoking can be responsible for ear infections. Common knowledge says that cancer, heart failure and emphysema are common with smokers, but, smoking can also cause otitis, an ear infection common in children.

Otitis – an ear infection common in children, and smokers

As already said, children are predisposed to otitis. When children get a cold or viruses, their mucus thickens, preventing proper breathing and making the nasal cavity a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including fever, ear ache, fluid in the ears, and more. However, it has been reported that children that are exposed to smoke are more likely to get ear infections. Of course, smokers themselves are not free of the danger.

How can smoking cause an ear infection?

The smoke from cigarettes is a strong irritant for the nasal passage. Of course, as a response to it our body has a defense mechanism:  it thickens the mucus, which in turn makes our nostrils and nasal passage a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. And since our nose is connected to our ears, this can easily lead to ear infections.

At the same time, smoking weakens the immune system, which in turn makes smokers and those exposed to smoke, more predisposed to getting infected by various viruses and bacteria, which in turn can lead to ear infections.

So, here’s yet another reason for you to quit smoking. Keep in mind that smoking isn’t only bad for you, but it can also affect the ones around you, and especially children.