Lower airways & recent onset of allergic rhinitis

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Laryngoscope. 2010 May 5;120(7):1288-1291. [Epub ahead of print]Lower airways may also be affected in asymptomatic patients with recent onset of allergic rhinitis.Ciprandi G, Cirillo I, Klersy C.Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San o-University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.AbstractOBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS:: It is well known that there is a close association between allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma, and AR is a strong risk factor for the onset of asthma. AR duration is significantly associated with a possible bronchial involvement. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of possible spirometric abnormalities and bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) in a large group of patients with recent onset of AR. STUDY DESIGN:: Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS:: A total of 1,539 AR patients were consecutively evaluated. Clinical examination, skin prick test, spirometry, and methacholine challenge were performed on all patients. RESULTS:: There were 362 (23%) patients with FEF(25-75) values <70% of predicted. The methacholine challenge was positive in 74.43% of patients, and 72.22% of the population presented a polysensitization. At multivariable analysis, an FEV(1) value lower than 92% of predicted, as well as increasing severity of BHR and polysensitization appeared to be independent predictors of a reduced FEF(25-75) value. CONCLUSIONS:: This study shows that reduced FEF(25-75) values may be present in some patients with recent onset of AR. FEV(1) <92%, severity of BHR, and polysensitization may be considered risk factor for this phenomenon. Laryngoscope, 2010.