ABSTRACT
Background: Mucociliary clearance is an important defense mechanism in human upper and lower respiratory airways. Impairment of this process by certain conditions such as cigarette smoking can predispose to chronic infection and neoplasm of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Eligible adults were enrolled, a saccharine test was conducted, and the nasal mucociliary clearance time was assessed. Analysis of the result was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 23.0. Results: There were 225 participants categorized into 75 active smokers (33.3%), 74 passive smokers (32.9%), and 76 nonsmokers (33.8%, living in a smoking-free zone). The age range of the participants was between 18 and 50 years, with a mean age of (31.2 ± 5.6) years. All participants were males. There were 139 (61.8%) of Hausa-Fulani ethnic group, 24 (10.7%) Yoruba, 18 (8.0%) Igbo, and 44 (19.5%) other ethnic groups. Findings in this study showed that the average mucociliary clearance time among active smokers was prolonged ([15.25 ± 6.20] min) compared to passive ([11.41 ± 4.25] min) and nonsmokers ([9.17 ± 2.76] min) respectively, with a statistical significance (F = 33.59, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression revealed that the number of cigarettes smoked per day was an independent predictor of prolonged mucociliary clearance time (P = 0.008, odds ratio = 0.44, 95% confidence interval = 0.24-0.80). Conclusion: Active cigarette smoking is associated with prolonged nasal mucociliary clearance time. The number of cigarette sticks smoked per day was found to be an independent predictor of prolonged mucociliary clearance time.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Deaf persons are equally susceptible to other otologic diseases as the rest of the population; however, there may be increased morbidity among the deaf population. The aim of the study is to determine common otologic problems and their prevalence among the deaf and to offer treatment where appropriate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred and twenty students aged between 5 and 38 years with profound hearing loss were recruited from a special school for the deaf. Hearing level was assessed and full ENT examination including otoscopy was done. RESULTS: 22.4% [139] of the deaf students had otologic diseases, with 69.1% of them having wax impaction and chronic suppurative otitis media and otitis media with effusion accounting for 21.6 and 7.2% respectively. CONCLUSION: The study showed that wax impaction is a common problem and this can be quite uncomfortable for some of the students. A routine general and otologic screening program targeted at the deaf and deaf-blind is recommended.
