[Acute effects of smoking a single cigarette on airway dynamics].

The maximal expiratory flow-volume curve (MEFV) and airway resistance (Raw) were studied before and after smoking a single cigarette in 51 male and 51 female healthy nonsmokers. The results showed that there was a significant increase in Raw after smoking, but no change in MEFV. The acute airway response after smoking a single cigarette represents vagally mediated protective reflex. Raw is the most sensitive test in detecting acute airway constriction. There is no sexual difference in acute effects of smoking.