Impact of allergic rhinitis on asthma: effects on bronchodilation testing

Abstract

A remarkable relationship exists between the upper and lower airways. Bronchial obstruction is a paramount feature of asthma, and its reversibility is considered a main step in asthma diagnosis. To investigate the degree of bronchodilation and possible risk factors related to it in patients with moderate-severe persistent allergic rhinitis alone. A total of 375 patients with moderate-severe persistent allergic rhinitis and 115 controls were prospectively and consecutively evaluated by means of clinical examination, skin prick testing, spirometry, and bronchodilation testing. Patients with rhinitis showed a significant increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV) after bronchodilation testing compared with basal values and levels in controls (P < .001). Two-thirds of the rhinitic patients had reversibility (> or = 12% basal levels). Patients with reversibility had lower FEV1 levels, longer rhinitis duration, and mite and tree allergies. This study highlights the close link between the upper and lower airways and the relevance of performing bronchodilation testing in patients with moderate-severe persistent allergic rhinitis.