Which condition is a contraindication to the use of the nicotine inhaler?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Rhinitis or sinusitis
• C. Asthma
• D. Diabetes

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how nicotine is delivered and how it interacts with mucous tissues. The nicotine inhaler releases a vapor that traverses the mouth and throat and can irritate the upper airways. When the nasal passages or sinuses are already inflamed, as in rhinitis or sinusitis, this added irritation can worsen nasal symptoms, trigger more congestion, coughing, or throat irritation, and make the inhaler poorly tolerated. For that reason, rhinitis or sinusitis is considered a contraindication to using the inhaler, and patients are steered toward alternative nicotine replacement methods (like gum or patch) that don’t irritate the nasal passages. Hypertension and diabetes aren’t contraindications for the inhaler, and while asthma may require caution due to airway sensitivity, the nasal mucosa issue in rhinitis/sinusitis is the more relevant factor for this question.