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Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
Modified method of nonspecific nasal provocation with histamine for routine use
D Plavec1, E Somogyi-Zalud, J Godnic-Cvar
1Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
Annals of Allergy
|April 1, 1994
Summary
This study validates a new method for assessing nonspecific nasal reactivity (NNR) in allergic rhinitis patients. The findings establish criteria to distinguish normal nasal reactivity from hyperreactivity, crucial for diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Diagnostic Methods
Background:
- Nonspecific nasal reactivity (NNR) assessment is key for diagnosing nasal conditions.
- Existing methods for NNR evaluation require validation and clear criteria for hyperreactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an improved method for assessing NNR.
- To determine diagnostic criteria for nasal hyperreactivity.
- To compare the efficacy of different nasal patency parameters in NNR assessment.
Main Methods:
- Sixty healthy subjects and 65 allergic rhinitis patients underwent histamine provocation.
- Nasal patency was measured using nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF), total nasal airway resistance (NART), nasal forced expiratory volume in one second (N-FEV1), and nasal midexpiratory flow rate (N-MEF25/75).
- The NNR test was terminated based on predefined significant changes in measured parameters.
Main Results:
- Allergic rhinitis patients exhibited significantly higher NNR compared to healthy subjects.
- NNR was markedly higher during periods of pronounced symptoms in rhinitis patients.
- Established criteria differentiated normoreactivity from hyperreactivity, considering age.
Conclusions:
- The validated method provides a reliable assessment of NNR.
- The study sets age-adjusted criteria for distinguishing nasal normoreactivity from hyperreactivity.
- This improved assessment aids in the diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis.
