Tobacco Use and Secondhand Smoke

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the world. The negative health effects of the use of tobacco products represent a global pandemic of enormous proportions. Ear, nose and throat manifestations of second-hand tobacco exposure include, but are not limited to, significant increase in incidence of middle ear infections in children with attendant hearing loss and language delay, chronic rhinitis, and sinusitis. Ear, nose, and throat manifestations of primary tobacco use – smoked, chewed, or dipped – include, but are not limited to, cancer of the lips, mouth, throat, and voice box (larynx); chronic rhinitis and sinusitis; chronic cough; gum disease; and precancerous lesions of the mouth and throat. In light of the volume of literature and scientific documentation of these negative health effects, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery supports state and federal legislation and regulations that will help to reduce the use of tobacco products and exposure to secondhand smoke in order to promote healthy environments and lifestyles for the public.

Adopted: June 6, 2009

Guidelines are not a substitute for the experience and judgment of a physician and are developed to enhance the physicians' ability to practice evidence-based medicine.

Important Notice