Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
10:47
Isolation of Mouse Respiratory Epithelial Cells and Exposure to Experimental Cigarette Smoke at Air Liquid Interface
Published on: February 22, 2011
Cigarette smoking and upper respiratory infection among recruits in basic combat training
G H Blake1, T D Abell, W G Stanley
1University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of upper respiratory infections in young military recruits. Smokers experienced more viral illnesses during basic combat training compared to non-smokers.
Area of Science:
- Military Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Health
Background:
- Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are common, particularly in densely populated environments.
- Military basic training presents unique challenges, including increased exposure to pathogens and physiological stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cigarette smoking and the incidence of upper respiratory infections (URIs) or viral syndromes.
- To quantify the risk of URI among smokers in a military recruit population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study design was employed.
- 1230 soldiers undergoing 13 weeks of basic combat training were enrolled.
- Smoking status was assessed via questionnaires, and respiratory illness incidence was systematically evaluated.
Main Results:
- Smokers exhibited a 1.46-fold increased relative risk of developing upper respiratory infections (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.8).
- This elevated risk remained consistent across different definitions of smoking status.
- No specific interventions were applied, focusing solely on observational data.
Conclusions:
- Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for upper respiratory infections in young adult males.
- Military recruits who smoke are more susceptible to viral illnesses during demanding training periods.
- Reducing smoking prevalence may mitigate URI incidence in military populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
01:29Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Physical assessment of the respiratory tract is critical to patient care. It allows healthcare professionals to identify and manage various respiratory conditions. The process involves a combination of subjective and objective data collection.
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and key...
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and key...
01:29Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...