[Diagnostic and prognostic value of the morphological status of the mucosa of the nasal cavity in dust bronchitis].

Histologic and immunologic studies of nasal mucosa in 56 coal miners with work records ranging from 3 to 19 years were undertaken in an attempt to assess their diagnostic and prognostic value with regard to bronchitis caused by exposure to dust. Collation of the results with clinical, X-ray, functional, and laboratory data indicated that prolonged dust exposure impairs the protective and adaptive responses in the airways to a degree that correlates with the duration of exposure and individual features of the exposed organism.