Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
Is nasal polyposis a determinant of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and altered quality of life in asthmatic subjects?
Graziano Riccioni1, Tonino Bucciarelli, Carmine Di Ilio
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University G.D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy. griccioni@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Asthmatic patients with nasal polyposis (NP) have been reported to have a high prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and a worsening of quality of life (QoL). The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate if NP is a determinant of BHR and is responsible for modifying the QoL in asthmatic subjects. Eighty-nine asthmatic subjects, including 24 patients with NP and 65 patients without NP (controls), underwent spirometry, methacholine challenge test (MCHt), skin prick tests, and were evaluated with the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Results of the MCHt test are expressed as the provocative concentration of methacholine that causes 20% (PC20) fall of forced expiratory volume at 1 sec (FEV1). The PC20 (mean +/- SD) in NP cases was 1149 +/- 668 microg/ml vs 894 +/- 691 microg/ml in controls (p <0.001). This demonstrates that BHR was not enhanced by the presence of NP in asthmatic subjects. No significant differences were found between the NP cases and controls for overall QoL or for single QoL domains. This study shows that the presence of NP did not impair the QoL of asthmatic patients, as indicated by the items included in the AQLQ questionnaire.
Related Concept Videos
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-I: Introduction
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids