BACKGROUND: Relevant relationship exists between upper and lower airways. Bronchial obstruction is a paramount feature of asthma and its reversibility is considered a diagnostic step for asthma diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating a large group of children with allergic rhinitis alone for investigating the degree of brochodilation and possible factors related to it. METHODS: Two hundred patients with allergic rhinitis and 150 normal subjects were consecutively evaluated. Clinical examination, skin prick test, spirometry, and bronchodilation test were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Rhinitics showed a significant FEV(1) increase after bronchodilation test (P < 0.0001) in comparison both to basal values and to controls' levels. More than 20% of rhinitics had reversibility (> or =12% basal levels). Patients with reversibility had lower FEV(1) levels, longer rhinitis duration, and perennial allergy. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the close link between upper and lower airways and the relevance of performing bronchodilation test in patients with allergic rhinitis and these characteristics.
Impact of allergic rhinitis on asthma in children: effects on bronchodilation test
Varricchio A;
2010-01-01
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Relevant relationship exists between upper and lower airways. Bronchial obstruction is a paramount feature of asthma and its reversibility is considered a diagnostic step for asthma diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating a large group of children with allergic rhinitis alone for investigating the degree of brochodilation and possible factors related to it. METHODS: Two hundred patients with allergic rhinitis and 150 normal subjects were consecutively evaluated. Clinical examination, skin prick test, spirometry, and bronchodilation test were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Rhinitics showed a significant FEV(1) increase after bronchodilation test (P < 0.0001) in comparison both to basal values and to controls' levels. More than 20% of rhinitics had reversibility (> or =12% basal levels). Patients with reversibility had lower FEV(1) levels, longer rhinitis duration, and perennial allergy. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the close link between upper and lower airways and the relevance of performing bronchodilation test in patients with allergic rhinitis and these characteristics.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
