[Aspecific rhinoreactivity in the diagnosis of vasomotor rhinopathy: rhinomanometric study]

The authors examined 70 patients divided into three groups: 15 normal, 20 affected by allergic rhinitis in a non critical period, 35 with vasomotor rhinitis. The aim was to evaluate the reactions induced through cold water stimulation (5 degrees C) and comparing them to the results obtained after lateral recumbent positional rhinomanometry. It was found that nasal provocation significantly modified nasal resistance in subjects with vasomotor rhinitis (81% for positional testing, 63% with cold water 5 degrees). This would justify nasal mucosa hyperreactivity due to the prevailing parasympathetic nervous system. Patients with allergic rhinitis showed fewer cases of pathological response (44% for positional testing, 32% for cold water provocation). According to the results obtained and the comparison made, the authors consider the aspecific nasal provocation test as unsuitable for use alone in the diagnosis of vasomotor rhinitis. However, based on their experience, the authors underline the fact that, since this method can demonstrate certain aspects of nasal mucous disreactivity, it is an important tool to be included in the full diagnostic approach to chronic rhinitis.