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Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
Bronchodilation test in patients with allergic rhinitis
G Ciprandi1, A Signori, M A Tosca
1Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, Italy. gio.cip@libero.it
Allergy
|January 26, 2011
Summary
Allergic rhinitis (AR) patients show a high rate of bronchodilation reversibility, suggesting asthma risk. Early spirometry, including forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF₂₅₋₇₅), can identify those prone to developing asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Allergology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a potential risk factor for asthma development.
- Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF₂₅₋₇₅) may predict bronchodilation response in children with asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of bronchodilation test response in adult AR patients.
- To evaluate the significance of FEF₂₅₋₇₅ values in predicting asthma risk in AR patients.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 1,469 consecutive adult patients with persistent AR.
- Clinical examination, spirometry, and bronchodilation testing were performed on all participants.
Main Results:
- 62.9% of AR patients exhibited reversibility in the bronchodilation test.
- 17.8% had impaired FEF₂₅₋₇₅ values (≤ 65% predicted).
- Impaired FEF₂₅₋₇₅ and longer rhinitis duration predicted reversibility (OR = 11.3, P < 0.001); a cutoff of ≤ 71% predicted FEF₂₅₋₇₅ identified responders.
Conclusions:
- Approximately two-thirds of persistent AR patients are at risk for developing asthma.
- Early spirometry, particularly FEF₂₅₋₇₅ assessment, can aid in early detection and treatment of AR patients prone to asthma.
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