Bronchial hyperreactivity and spirometric impairment in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.
BACKGROUND
Allergic disorders are characterized by a systemic involvement of the immune response. There is a clear link between allergic rhinitis and asthma. Bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) may be present in rhinitics. Smaller airways may also be impaired in mild asthma. This study aimed at evaluating a group of subjects suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis alone to investigate the presence of BHR and spirometric impairment.


METHODS
One hundred rhinitics sensitized only to perennial allergens were evaluated. Spirometry and methacholine bronchial challenge were performed.


RESULTS
Five rhinitics showed reduced values of forced expiratory volume/1 s (FEV(1)) without symptoms of asthma. Forty-eight rhinitics had reduced forced expiratory flow at 25 and 75% of pulmonary volume (FEF(25-75)) values. Seventy-two patients showed a positive methacholine challenge. In this group, reduced values of FVC (p < 0.05), FEV(1) (p < 0.05), and FEF(25-75) (p < 0.01) were demonstrated in comparison with BHR-negative rhinitics. There was a relationship between the degree of BHR and FEV(1) values (p < 0.05) and FEF(25-75) values (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
This study evidences that an impairment of spirometric parameters may be observed in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis alone. A high percentage of these patients have BHR. Thus, new management strategies should be employed in rhinitics.
Ciprandi
Giorgio
G
Allergy, Head and Neck Department, San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy. gio.cip@libero.it
Cirillo
Ignazio
I
Tosca
Maria Angela
MA
Vizzaccaro
Andrea
A
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016210:Methacholine Chloride / Q000276:immunology; D008889:Military Personnel; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012882:Skin Tests; D013147:Spirometry
D000485:Allergens; D016210:Methacholine Chloride