RESUMO
Abstract Introduction Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is the first line of defense of the pulmonary system. Mucociliary clearance impairment may lead to increased risk of respiratory infections, lung injury, pulmonary repair problems, chronic dysfunctions and progression of respiratory diseases. Objective To characterize the MCC of active and passive smokers and individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and compare the MCC behaviors between men and women of different age groups. Methods Patients with COPD (current smokers and ex-smokers) and apparently healthy individuals (current smokers, passive smokers and nonsmokers) were evaluated. All of the subjects underwent lung function and MCC evaluation (saccharin transport test [STT]). Smokers (with or without COPD) were questioned about the smoking history. Results A total of 418 individuals aged 16 to 82 years old, of both genders, were evaluated. The STT values of active and passive smokers were statistically higher than those of the control group (p < 0.01). Men of the control group had lower values of STT than active smokers (9.7 ± 7.1 and 15.4 ± 10.1 minute, respectively, p < 0.01). In addition, higher MCC velocity was observed in women that are current smokers (11.7 ± 6.8 minute) compared with men (15.4 ± 10.1 minute) in this group (p = 0.01). Among the younger age groups (< 50 years old), only passive smokers presented higher STT in relation to the control group. Conclusion Passive and active smoking are factors that influence negatively the MCC, and passive smokers may present losses of this mechanism at a younger age. Additionally, male smokers present worse MCC than male nonsmokers.
RESUMO
Introdução: O tabagismo provoca efeitos deletérios a saúde afetando o estado de saúde geral do indivíduo. Neste contexto, torna-se indispensável à avaliação da influência do fumo nas variáveis respiratórias e na capacidade funcional de tabagistas. Objetivo: Analisar a influência de variáveis espirométricas na capacidade de exercício de indivíduos tabagistas. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 78 indivíduos tabagistas, idade entre 40 e 60 anos, no qual foram avaliadas a função pulmonar (espirometria), a capacidade funcional (teste de caminhada de seis minutos-TC6) e a transportabilidade mucociliar nasal (teste do tempo de transporte da sacarina-TTS). Resultados: As variáveis espirométricas apresentaram correlação positiva significativa com o TC6 e o TTS não apresentou correlação com o TC6. Conclusão: A função pulmonar tem correlação com a capacidade funcional, no entanto o TTS não apresenta essa correlação em indivíduos tabagistas leves.
Introduction: Smoking causes deleterious health effects affecting the general health of the individual. In this context, it is essential to evaluate the influence of smoking on respiratory variables and on the functional capacity of smokers. Objective: To analyze the influence of spirometry variables on the exercise capacity of smokers. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 78 smokers, age between 40 and 60 years old, in which pulmonary function (spirometry), functional capacity (six-minute walk test 6MWT) and nasal mucociliary transportability (Saccharin Transport Time Test STT) were evaluated. Results: Spirometric variables had a significant postive correlation with the 6MWT and the STT did not present a correlation with the 6MWT. Conclusion: Pulmonary function correlated with functional capacity, however STT did not present this correlation in light smokers.