Effect of duration and type of tobacco consumed on the Nasal Mucociliary Clearance of adult male smokers – a cross sectional study

Introduction: Nasal Muco Ciliary (NMC), one of the important protective mechanisms of respiratory tract is affected due to workplace and environmental exposure to dust, thereby exacerbating respiratory diseases. Prolonged NMC is the outcome of the exposure of nasal mucosa to toxic products of tobacco. The present study was planned to evaluate the relationship between the duration and type of tobacco usage on the NMC in adult males. Materials and Method: After obtaining ethical clearance, the cross sectional study was conducted on 60 male tobacco users (20 - 45 years), working in Housekeeping Department of Saveetha University Campus, Chennai. NMC was measured using Saccharin test. Mean NMC of tobacco users who were categorised based on duration and type of tobacco was compared using one way ANOVA. Results: Mean NMC of tobacco users was found to be higher (495.64±372.25 secs) than non users (388.11±173.89 secs). Mean NMC of smoked tobacco users was higher (569.26±503.52secs) than smokeless tobacco users(442.34±215.39secs). Among smoked tobacco users, smokers of bidi (667.5±537.16secs) had higher mean NMC than cigarette smokers (247.8±145.8 secs). It was observed that smokers who consumed tobacco for > 5 years and > 1 pack per day had the highest mean NMC (566.54±446.97 secs). Conclusion: NMC was prolonged in users of tobacco, particularly in users of smoked tobacco (bidi). Also NMC was directly proportional to the duration of tobacco consumption. The authors wish to highlight the need for relevant awareness and education on cessation of the tobacco usage among smokers. Keywords: Nasal Mucociliary clearance (NMC), Saccharin test, Tobacco, Smoking