Effect of heavy smoking on nasal resistance.

Smoking is a part of our sociocultural environment. Its medical consequences are probably still underestimated. In this prospective clinical study, we explored the relationship between heavy smoking and nasal resistance. Anterior rhinomanometry was performed in 26 smokers and 26 non-smokers. Each group contained 13 men and 13 women. Analysis of variance of nasal resistance measurements using age and weight as covariables showed no significant difference between sexes. In contrast, a highly significant increase was noted between smokers and non-smokers. Age and weight had no influence on these results. Rhinomanometry proved to be an excellent method of detection for these modifications. Similar studies on the effects of passive smoking and of atmospheric and occupational pollutants should follow in the near future.