Esophageal motility in healthy smokers

ABSTRACT

The effect of smoking on oesophageal motility was studied on 30 active smokers, l0 passive smokers and 10 non smoker individuals. We used a solid state oesophageal catheter, which contained micro transducer and connected with computerized physiography and using station pull through technique, to record manometric findings at lower oesophageal sphincter [LES], oesophageal body and upper oesophageal sphincter [UES]. Results in this study showed highly significant reduction in LES pressure among heavy smokers and about 60% had low LES pressure below 20 mmHg while only 40% and 20% and 10% were affected in moderate, mild and passive smokers respectively. The response to wet swallow was 100% normal peristalsis and there is no significant changes in manometric record of UES. So, we can conclude that smoking mainly reduce LES pressure and is more marked in heavy smokers. therefore, smokers are more susceptible to incompetent cardia and more frequent reflux esophageal disea