Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) may be considered a risk factor for the onset of asthma. Recently, it has been reported that forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75) may predict a positive response to bronchodilation test in asthmatic children. The aim of this study was to evaluate a large group of adult AR patients to investigate the frequency of response to bronchodilation test and FEF25-75 values. Methods: One thousand four hundred and sixty-nine consecutive patients suffering from persistent AR were evaluated. Clinical examination, spirometry, and bronchodilation test were performed in all patients. Results: In this study, 62.9% of patients had reversibility to bronchodilation test and 17.8% had impaired FEF25-75 values (≤65% of predicted). Impaired FEF 25-75 values associated with longer rhinitis duration may predict reversibility to bronchodilation test (OR = 11.3; P <0.001). In addition, a FEF25-75 cutoff value ≤71% of predicted may already discriminate patients with reversibility. Conclusions: This study highlights that about two-thirds of patients with persistent AR may be considered at risk of becoming asthmatic. This finding should be adequately considered as a precocious spirometry may allow the early detection of patients prone to develop asthma and consequently to treat them.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 694-698 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2011 |
Keywords
- allergic rhinitis
- asthma
- bronchodilation test
- FEF
- reversibility
- rhinitis duration
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Immunology and Allergy