Differences of Nasal Hypersensitivity between Smokers and Nonsmokers

Kim, Young Doe; Cho, Joong Saeng; Jang, Do Young; Hong, Nam Pyo; Cha, Chang Il

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Smoking is regarded as one of the factors that bring about nonspecific hypersensitivity in allergic nasal mucosa. But it is uncertain how chronic smoking affects hypersensitivity in nasal mucosa. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between smoking and nasal hypersensitivity. In this study, histamine is used since it is commonly used to evaluate nasal hypersensitivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve smokers and 9 nonsmokers were participated in this study. Nasal mucosae of each subjects were stimulated by thiorphan followed by substance P. After stimulation, several dilutions of 10 to 5X104 ng/ml of histamine was instilled to both nasal cavity at intervals of 10 minutes. We measured the volume of nasal cavity by acoustic rhinometry in each step and counted the number of sneezing and nasal blowing at every 10 minute intervals. Changes in volume after each dillutions of histamine instillations were compared with the values measured after the stimulation by thiorphan and substance P., and this value was expressed as the percentage volume change.
RESULTS
The nasal volume of smoker group was increased upto 100 ng/ml of histamine and decreased from 1000 ng/ml of histamine. The nasal volume of nonsmoker group decreased more than the smoker group with each dilution of histamine. The number of sneezing and nasal blowing increased in each group with each dilution of histamine.
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic smoking may decrease susceptibility of hypersensitivity to histamine in nasal mucosa.