Effect of snuff on nasal mucosa.
Am J Otolaryngol
; 26(3): 151-6, 2005.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15858768
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
The inhalation of nasal snuff (powdered tobacco) is a common addiction in the Indian subcontinent. In the western world, there is a resurgence of interest in nasal snuff because it does have the morbidity associated with smoked tobacco. Very few studies have reported the long-term effects of snuff on nasal mucosa. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of long-term use of snuff on the nasal mucosa. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
We conducted a retrospective study on 29 snuff users. We investigated the reasons for initiation of this particular form of addiction along with the clinical signs and symptoms of long-term snuff usage. At the time of the study, all patients complained of one or more nasal symptoms. Nasal obstruction and nasal discharge taken together were reported by 62.5% of patients. Gross mucosal edema of the septum and turbinates was the main finding on nasal examination. The absolute eosinophil count and total serum immunoglobulin E were elevated in 62.5% and 66.7% of patients, respectively. On skin prick test, 41% of patients reacted positively to snuff and 25% to tobacco. Histopathologic examination of the turbinates (16 patients) showed squamous metaplasia, capillary proliferation, capillary and venous dilatation, inflammatory cell reaction, subepithelial edema, and fibrosis.CONCLUSIONS:
Much has been written about the advantages of nasal snuff over products that deliver tobacco smoke. Our study shows that snuff users, after long-term abuse, develop a form of chronic rhinitis, as a consequence of which they develop blocked and stuffy noses. We conclude that nasal snuff is not a suitable substitute for smoked tobacco because it does not avoid ill health.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Tabaco sem Fumaça
/
Mucosa Nasal
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2005
Tipo de documento:
Article