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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
Impact of allergic rhinitis on asthma in children: effects on bronchodilation test
M Capasso1, A Varricchio, G Ciprandi
1Department of Paediatrics, Ospedale Civile "Ave Gratia Plena", Piedimonte Matese, Italy.
Insights
Children with allergic rhinitis show significant bronchial dilation, indicating a link between upper and lower airways. Bronchodilation testing is recommended for these patients, especially those with longer rhinitis duration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- The upper and lower airways share a significant relationship.
- Bronchial obstruction and its reversibility are key diagnostic indicators for asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate bronchial dilation in children with allergic rhinitis.
- To identify factors associated with bronchial dilation in this population.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a study involving 200 children with allergic rhinitis and 150 healthy controls.
- Utilized clinical examination, skin prick tests, spirometry, and bronchodilation tests.
Main Results:
- Patients with allergic rhinitis demonstrated a significant increase in FEV(1) post-bronchodilation compared to baseline and controls.
- Over 20% of rhinitic patients exhibited significant reversibility (≥12% increase).
- Reversible bronchoconstriction was associated with lower FEV(1), longer rhinitis duration, and perennial allergies.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms a strong connection between upper (allergic rhinitis) and lower airways.
- Bronchodilation testing is clinically relevant for children with allergic rhinitis, particularly those with specific characteristics.
Background:
Relevant relationship exists between upper and lower airways. Bronchial obstruction is a paramount feature of asthma and its reversibility is considered a diagnostic step for asthma diagnosis.
Objective:
This study aimed at evaluating a large group of children with allergic rhinitis alone for investigating the degree of brochodilation and possible factors related to it.
Methods:
Two hundred patients with allergic rhinitis and 150 normal subjects were consecutively evaluated. Clinical examination, skin prick test, spirometry, and bronchodilation test were performed in all patients.
Results:
Rhinitics showed a significant FEV(1) increase after bronchodilation test (P < 0.0001) in comparison both to basal values and to controls' levels. More than 20% of rhinitics had reversibility (> or =12% basal levels). Patients with reversibility had lower FEV(1) levels, longer rhinitis duration, and perennial allergy.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the close link between upper and lower airways and the relevance of performing bronchodilation test in patients with allergic rhinitis and these characteristics.
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