ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate nasal mucosal changes in response to passive exposure to cigarette smoke. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 20 women aged 35-51 years who were scheduled for non-rhinological surgical procedures, and who had at least 10 years' prolonged passive exposure to household cigarette smoke. During surgery, two 1-mm3 biopsies of nasal mucosa were taken from the lower border of the inferior turbinate. Specimens were processed and examined with light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Examination of the nasal mucosa showed several histopathological changes. The severity of structural changes increased with duration of smoke exposure. No allergic or neoplastic changes were seen. CONCLUSION: Passive exposure to cigarette smoke has a deleterious effect on the nasal respiratory mucosa. Prolonged passive smoke exposure may also induce other, significant changes not detected in the present study.
