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Published on: January 21, 2018
Nasal nitric oxide and nasal allergy
V M D Struben1, M H Wieringa, L Feenstra
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) measurements are noninvasive tools for diagnosing airway disorders. Further research is needed to clarify the role of nNO in allergic rhinitis diagnosis and management due to conflicting data.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Allergology
- Diagnostic Tools
Background:
- Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) measurements offer a noninvasive method for assessing airway conditions.
- nNO has shown potential in diagnosing chronic airway disorders like cystic fibrosis and Kartagener's syndrome.
- The utility of nNO in allergic rhinitis requires further investigation due to inconsistent findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the origin, production, and measurement of nNO.
- To evaluate the impact of allergic rhinitis, allergen challenges, and medications on nNO levels.
- To examine existing data on nNO in allergic rhinitis and its treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on nNO and allergic rhinitis.
- Analysis of nNO concentrations in relation to allergic rhinitis status, challenges, and treatments.
- Synthesis of current evidence regarding nNO in allergic rhinitis.
Main Results:
- nNO measurement is a simple, noninvasive diagnostic technique.
- Variable and contradictory nNO findings exist in allergic rhinitis patients.
- The effect of allergic rhinitis treatments on nNO levels needs comprehensive summarization.
Conclusions:
- nNO shows promise for diagnosing chronic airway diseases.
- The role of nNO in allergic rhinitis diagnosis and management remains to be fully elucidated.
- Further research is essential to establish nNO's clinical utility in allergic rhinitis.
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