Nasal muco-ciliary clearance in snuff users

The inhalation of nasal snuff (powdered tobacco) is widely prevalent in the Indian sub-continent. The effect of snuff application on the nasal mucociliary clearance (NMMC) time has been suspected but not demonstrated before. In this study the saccharin test is used to demonstrate the rate of nasal mucociliary clearance among chronic snuff users. The study demonstrates the depressant action of snuff on the nasal mucociliary clearance rate. A pharmacological and pathological basis for the depressant action of snuff on the NMMC rate is hypothesised on the basis of the results obtained.