Effects of smoking on taste: assessment with contact endoscopy and taste strips.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to compare the taste function between smokers and nonsmokers with clinical testing, subjective ratings, and contact endoscopy of the tongue.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Data were collected from 38 smokers (mean age 37 years; 25 female, 23 male) and 34 nonsmokers (mean age 33.5 years; 18 female, 16 male). The parameters assessed were the number of fungiform papillae per square centimeter in a noncontact way and their morphology (surface, capillary vessels) by contact endoscopy. The morphology of the filiform papillae has also been assessed. In addition, clinical testing of gustatory function was performed by means of taste strips and subjective intensity ratings of natural taste stimuli.


RESULTS
No significant difference was found in clinical testing and intensity ratings between the two study groups. A trend toward significance was found in taste strip results for decreased bitter taste in heavy smokers (P = .06). The number and the size of fungiform papillae did not significantly differ between the study groups. No sex-related differences were observed. Smokers exhibited significantly more keratin structures on the fungiform papillae surface, less tortuous capillary vessels, and a significant distortion of their filiform papillae.


CONCLUSIONS
Taste function presents significant resistance to smoking, although changes in morphology of fungiform and filiform papillae have been observed especially in heavy smokers. Laryngoscope, 2010.
Konstantinidis
Iordanis
I
Smell and Taste Clinic, 2nd Academic ORL Department, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece. jordan_orl@hotmail.com
Chatziavramidis
Angelos
A
Printza
Athanasia
A
Metaxas
Spyros
S
Constantinidis
Jannis
J
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013650:Taste Buds / Q000098:blood supply; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000209:etiology*