The Effect of Passive and Active Smoking on Nasal Mucociliary Clerarance Time

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of passive and active smoking on NMC by comparing the results of age and sex matched healthy individuals, passive and active smokers. Material and Method: A total of 75 subjects met the criteria and were divided into three groups: control group (nonsmokers, group 1, n =25), passive smokers group(group 2, n =25), active smokers group (group 3, n =25). NMC of these subjects were measured and compared. Moreover, the amount of cigarette consumption of active smokers group were calculated as package to year and the correlation between NMC and the amount of cigarette consumption. in active smokers group were evaluated. Results: The mean NMC in passive smokers group and active smokers group were significantly longer than the control group (p=0,0001) The comparison of NMC values between the passive smokers group and the active smokers group revealed no statistically significant differences (p%u22650,05). There was positive correlation between the increase in NMC and amount of cigarette consumption in the active smokers group ( p=0,0001,r=0.433). Discussion: Both active and passive smoking prolonged nasal mucociliary clearance time when they were compared with healthy controls. Tobacco exposure is associated diseases such as asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, and lower airway infections. It may be related to the direct effect of prolonged NMC