Hookah smoking impairs nasal mucociliary clearance

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Physiology
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Active tobacco smoking is linked to impaired nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC).
• Hookah smoking presents potential health risks, but its effect on nasal MCC is unknown.
• This study investigates hookah's impact on nasal MCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if hookah smoking affects nasal mucociliary clearance.
• To assess the dose-dependent effect of hookah use on nasal MCC.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 78 subjects, divided into a control group (40) and a hookah group (38).
• The hookah group was further categorized into weekly users (N1, 20 subjects) and frequent users (N2, 18 subjects, 2-5 sessions/week).
• Nasal MCC tests were conducted on all participants, with results recorded in minutes.

Main Results:

• Nasal MCC was significantly higher in the total hookah group compared to the control group (p<0.05).
• Frequent hookah users (N2 group) exhibited significantly higher nasal MCC values than both the control and weekly users (N1 group) (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Hookah use, especially frequent use (more than once weekly), leads to impaired nasal MCC.
• This impairment may elevate the risk of developing respiratory tract diseases.