Allergic rhinitis and onset of bronchial hyperresponsiveness: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Allergology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis is frequently associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR).
• Previous studies suggest a link between allergic rhinitis and BHR, but longitudinal data are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal relationship between allergic rhinitis and the development and remission of BHR in non-asthmatic adults.
• To assess the impact of allergic rhinitis on BHR onset and resolution over a 9-year period.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study of 3,719 non-asthmatic subjects without BHR at baseline from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.
• BHR defined by methacholine challenge (FEV(1) decrease ≥20% at 1 mg).
• Allergic rhinitis defined by history and specific IgE positivity to common allergens.

Main Results:

• The cumulative incidence of BHR was higher in subjects with allergic rhinitis (9.7%) compared to those without (5.5%), with an adjusted OR of 2.44.
• Sensitization to cats or mites in allergic rhinitis patients significantly increased BHR onset risk.
• BHR remission was less frequent in allergic rhinitis patients (35.3%) compared to non-rhinitis patients (51.8%).

Conclusions:

• Allergic rhinitis is a significant risk factor for the onset of BHR in non-asthmatic individuals.
• Nasal steroid treatment for allergic rhinitis was associated with a higher likelihood of BHR remission.
• These findings highlight the importance of managing allergic rhinitis to potentially mitigate respiratory complications.