Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
Bronchial hyperreactivity and spirometric impairment in patients with allergic rhinitis
I Cirillo1, A Vizzaccaro, M A Tosca
1Ospedale Principale della Marina Militare, Reparto di Medicina, Allergologia e Fisiopatologia Respiratoria, La Spezia, Italy.
Background:
The Link between allergic rhinitis and asthma is well known. Bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) may be present in rhinitics. The present study is aimed at evaluating a large group of subjects suffering from allergic rhinitis alone to investigate the presence of spirometric impairment and BHR both during and outside the pollen season.
Methods:
360 rhinitics (subdivided in 3 groups: seasonal, SAR, perennial, PAR, and polysensitized, PolysR) were investigated by spirometry and methacholine challenge.
Results:
There was a significant seasonal difference concerning the number of rhinitics with impaired FEV1 (p<0.01 for SAR, p<0.02 for PAR, and p<0.03 for PolysR) and FEF25-75 (p<0.05 for SAR, p<0.03 for PAR, and p<0.05 for PolysR) as well as with BHR (p<0.05 for SAR and p<0.03 for PAR).
Conclusions:
This study evidences that an impairment of spirometric parameters and BHR may be observed in patients with allergic rhinitis alone. Thus, careful evaluation of lower airways should be performed in patients with allergic rhinitis alone.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
