The capsaicin cough reflex in eczema patients with respiratory symptoms elicited by perfume.
Respiratory symptoms elicited by perfume are common in the population but have unclear pathophysiology. Increased capsaicin cough responsiveness has been associated with the symptoms, but it is unknown whether the site of the symptoms in the airways influences this association. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the site of airway symptoms elicited by perfume and cough responsiveness to bronchial challenge with capsaicin. 21 eczema patients with respiratory symptoms elicited by perfume were compared with 21 healthy volunteers in a sex- and age-matched case control study. The participants completed a symptom questionnaire and underwent a bronchial challenge with capsaicin. Lower, but not upper, respiratory symptoms elicited by perfume were associated with increased capsaicin cough responsiveness. Having severe symptoms to perfume (n=11) did not relate to the site of the symptoms in the airways and was not associated with increased capsaicin cough responsiveness. In conclusion, respiratory symptoms elicited by perfume may reflect local hyperreactivity related to defensive reflexes in the airways, and measurements of the capsaicin cough reflex are relevant when patients with lower respiratory symptoms related to environmental perfume exposures are investigated.
Elberling
Jesper
J
The National Allergy Research Centre, and Deparment of Respiratory Medicine Y, Gentofte University Hospital, Denmark. jeel@gentoftehosp.kbhamt.dk
Dirksen
Asger
A
Johansen
Jeanne Duus
JD
Mosbech
Holger
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests / Q000379:methods*; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004485:Eczema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000485:Allergens; D010476:Perfume; D002211:Capsaicin