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Capsaicin inhalation test for identification of sensory hyperreactivity
A Johansson1, O Löwhagen, E Millqvist
1Allergy Centre, Central Hospital, Skövde, Sweden. mats.bende@vgregion.se
Respiratory Medicine
|September 24, 2002
Summary
The capsaicin inhalation test effectively identifies sensory hyperreactivity (SHR), a condition causing airway sensitivity to chemicals. Established limit values help distinguish patients with pronounced odour sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Sensory hyperreactivity (SHR) involves airway symptoms and heightened sensitivity to chemical odors.
- Physiological measurements for SHR are challenging, and medication effects are uncertain.
- Patients with SHR show increased sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin compared to healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish limit values for the capsaicin inhalation test in patients with sensory hyperreactivity.
- To determine the diagnostic utility of the capsaicin test for identifying pronounced odor sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-five patients with airway issues underwent capsaicin inhalation tests at varying concentrations.
- Cough counts were recorded, alongside symptom and social impact scores for odor sensitivity.
- Patients were classified as SHR or non-SHR based on symptoms and compared to 73 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Capsaicin induced a dose-dependent cough response in all participants.
- Higher odor sensitivity symptom scores correlated positively with capsaicin test responses.
- Fifteen patients (16%) were diagnosed with SHR, exhibiting a stronger reaction to capsaicin than others.
Conclusions:
- The capsaicin inhalation test accurately reflects airway chemical sensitivity and its impact on social life.
- Defined cut-off values for the capsaicin test can effectively differentiate patients with significant odor sensitivity.