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Upper respiratory tract environmental tobacco smoke sensitivity
R Bascom1, T Kulle, A Kagey-Sobotka
1Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure can trigger rhinitis symptoms in some individuals. This study found ETS-sensitive individuals experienced increased nasal congestion and airway resistance after smoke exposure, unlike non-sensitive individuals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Respiratory Medicine
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure is linked to rhinitis symptoms in some individuals.
- Objective assessments and underlying mechanisms of ETS-induced rhinitis are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively assess rhinitis symptoms and physiological responses to ETS exposure.
- To differentiate responses between individuals historically sensitive (ETS-S) and non-sensitive (ETS-NS) to ETS.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire identified ETS-related symptoms in 77 healthy non-smokers.
- ETS-S and ETS-NS subjects were exposed to clean air then sidestream tobacco smoke.
- Symptoms, posterior nasal resistance, spirometry, and nasal lavages were recorded.
Main Results:
- 34% of subjects reported ETS-related rhinitis symptoms.
- ETS-S subjects reported significantly increased nasal congestion, headache, cough, and rhinorrhea compared to ETS-NS subjects.
- ETS-S subjects showed a significant increase in posterior nasal resistance post-exposure, unlike ETS-NS subjects.
Conclusions:
- Environmental tobacco smoke exposure elicits significant rhinitis symptoms and physiological changes in sensitive individuals.
- Increased nasal resistance is a key objective finding in ETS-sensitive individuals.
- Findings highlight the need for further research into ETS sensitivity mechanisms.