Association of childhood perennial allergic rhinitis with subclinical airflow limitation.
BACKGROUND
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a relevant risk factor for the onset of asthma, and a close association exists between the nose and the bronchi. Recently, it has been evidenced that the duration of AR and mite allergy represent high risks for spirometric impairment in allergic adults.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a group of AR children, without bronchial symptoms, to investigate spirometric impairments.


METHODS
Two hundred children with moderate-severe AR were consecutively evaluated. Clinical examination, skin prick test, and spirometry were performed in all children.


RESULTS
Thirty-one percent of the children had forced expiratory flow at 25% and 75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25-75%)<80% of the predicted values and 11% had both forced expiratory volume in 1 s and FEF25-75%<80% of the predicted values. Rhinitis duration and sensitization to house dust mites were significantly associated with impaired values of these spirometric parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the close link between the upper and the lower airways and the role of some risk factors, such as long duration and mite sensitization, as early prognostic markers of bronchial involvement in children with AR and perceiving nasal symptoms alone.
Ciprandi
G
G
Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. gio.cip@libero.it
Capasso
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013147:Spirometry