Impact of allergic rhinitis on asthma in children: effects on bronchodilation test.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Paediatrics, Ospedale Civile "Ave Gratia Plena", Piedimonte Matese, Italy.
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M
Capasso
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Varricchio
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G
Ciprandi
D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012882:Skin Tests
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents