RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Exercise is known to decongest the nasal mucosa which results in increased nasal patency. In a recent study it was suggested that smoking might influence the effect of exercise on the nasal mucosa. This implies that smoking may cause neurological damage to the normal nasal physiology, which has not previously been shown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference in nasal mucosal reaction to exercise between smokers and non-smokers. METHODOLOGY: Forty-two smokers and non-smokers underwent acoustic rhinometry to register nasal geometry before and after cycling on an ergometer cycle. A structured interview was used for questions about smoking habits and airway symptoms. RESULTS: Both smokers and non-smokers had a significant increase in MCA (minimal cross-section area) and total nasal volume after exercise. There was no statistical significant difference between smokers and non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking does not seem to affect the normal physiological decongestion of the nasal mucosa after exercise.