In light of the listed beneficial effects of HCO3− as well as the cigarette smoke-induced acquired CFTR-deficiency we intended to investigate the impact of hypertonic NaHCO3 inhalation on general physiologic and respiratory parameters in a mild cigarette smoke-exposure model to mimic the molecular alterations characteristic to both CF and COPD. This evidence concerns the gene CFTR and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.