Abstract
Introduction: Exposure to cigarette smoke causes changes that undermine the effectiveness of mucociliary clearance and may be influenced by different exposure conditions. The aim of this study was to present nasal mucociliary clearance (MC) by means of the saccharin transit time (STT) test and to evaluate the effects of different exposure intensities on MC in smokers following a smoking cessation programme in Brazil. Methods: 42 current smokers with normal lung function were divided into mild [under 20 pack/years (P/Y); n=15] and heavy (from 21 P/Y; n=27) smokers and evaluated concerning exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) by CO analyser and MC by STT. A matched control group of 25 healthy non-smokers was assessed using the same test. Tests were conducted between 8 and 9 AM with air temperature and relative humidity controlled. Statistical analyses were performed using Mann Whitney test. Results: Smokers showed higher eCO and STT (6,5[5–9]ppm and 12,2[8–18]min) compared to control group (2[1–3]ppm and 7,9[6–13]min) (p<0,0001 and p=0,0187), respectively. Also, STT in heavy smokers was higher than in mild smokers (p=0,0467). Stanley et al. (1986) evaluated smokers' STT and also found a higher STT when compared with nonsmokers, however, despite were younger smokers with lower P/Y these values have been higher than those found in both groups in Brazil. Conclusion: Cigarette smoke impairs mucociliary clearance and, in Brazilian smokers, the damage intensity was directly related to the charge exposure. Even at worse exposure conditions, this sample showed better STT.
- © 2012 ERS
