Nov. 18, 99 -- Most people know smoking can damage your heart and lungs. But few may realize it can also affect your nose, throat and sinuses.

Dr. Jordan josephson is a new york ear, nose and throat specialist. He says he sees a number of sinus and allergy problems related to tobacco smoke.

Dr. Jordan Josephson Lenox Hill Hospital: "Cigarette smoking is definitely one of the causes of sinus disease...patients that are smoking have inflamation in their nose from the smoke...its like burning the insides of your nose."

Cancer experts say cigarette smoke and exposure to second hand smoke can increase your risk of nasal and sinus cancer.

Dr. Ronald Blumbeth Israel Medical Center: "We know that smoking causes cancer by bringing carcinogens, cancer causing chemicals to the entire nose throat, lungs, food pipe...the whole so called aero-digestive system.

Tali Klebanow knows about the connection between smoking and sinusitis. He developed infections in her nose and sinuses related to smoking and second hand smoke.

Tali Klebanow Sinus Patient: "Whenever I'm around smoke, I basically can't breathe..and my sinuses burn. . and from that I get headaches...I basically cannot function."

Dr. Steve Salvatore CNN Medical Correspondent: "If you think smoking is only hurting yourself, think again. Experts say second hand smoke can also affect your children and may make their allergies worse."

Dr. Jordan Josephson Ear Nose And Throat Specialist: "Cigrette smoke causes swelling which as a result..prevents the child and the adult from breathing properly...in addition the nicotine from the cigarettes has a bad effect on the membranes in the nose. Children are at risk for frequent colds and severe nasal problems when repeatedly exposed to cigarette smoke."

So the next time you light up a cigarette, keep in mind your health and the health of your children could be going up in smoke.