Cold-induced rhinitis in skiers--clinical aspects and treatment with ipratropium bromide nasal spray: a randomized controlled trial.
Cold-induced rhinitis (CIR) is common among skiers and is perceived as a troublesome disease. We studied the clinical characteristics of CIR in a population of skiers and we evaluated the effectiveness of ipratropium bromide nasal spray (IBNS) in relieving symptoms in a double-blind placebo-controlled fashion. By means of specific questionnaires, we evaluated 144 subjects (69% men; mean age, 42.2 years). The prevalence of CIR was 48.6% and the distinctive symptom was rhinorrhea (96%), often severe. The prevalence of atopy was higher in the CIR patients (chi2; p = 0.004). Twenty-eight CIR subjects participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over trial for evaluating the effectiveness of IBNS (80 microg twice per day [b.i.d.]). The severity of symptoms was assessed by a visual analog scale, and the number of cleaning tissues used also was evaluated. The actively treated group showed a significant improvement of rhinorrhea (p = 0.0007) and a reduction in the number of cleaning tissues used (p = 0.0023). Only four mild local side effects were reported. We conclude that IBNS could be regarded as an optimal therapeutic option for treating CIR symptoms in skiers.
Bonadonna
P
P
Allergy Unit, Verona General Hospital, Italy.
Senna
G
G
Zanon
P
P
Cocco
G
G
Dorizzi
R
R
Gani
F
F
Landi
M
M
Restuccia
M
M
Feliciello
A
A
Passalacqua
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009241:Ipratropium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012865:Skiing
D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D009241:Ipratropium