Large airway constriction in allergic rhinitis: Response to inhalation of helium-oxygen

Abstract

Pulmonary function results were compared in 15 allergic rhinitis and 30 normal subjects. Airways resistance (R AW) was higher (p < 0.01) and specific conductance (SG AW) was lower (p < 0.01) in the rhinitis group. Maximal expiratory flow (V̇ EMax), lung volumes, and results of tests measuring airways closure, distribution of ventilation, diffusing capacity, volume of isoflow, and density-dependence of V̇ EMax at 50% of vital capacity (ΔV̇ EMax 50) significantly between the two groups. Following inhalation of isoproterenol, R AW decreased and SG AW and V̇ EMax increased significantly in both groups. On the other hand, ΔV̇ E decreased significantly in the rhinitis group (p < 0.01) and increased significantly in the control group (p < 0.05). In addition to comparing pulmonary function in rhinitis patients and control subjects, physiologic measurements were also made on two separate occasions in the rhinitis subjects (minimal or no symptoms; very symptomatic). Although rhinitis symptomatology varied considerably (p < 0.001), pulmonary function results were not significantly different. Hence we conclude that: (1) Rhinitis subjects have large airway constriction which does not vary with season or symptoms. (2) As in normal control subjects, airflow limitation occurs in the large airways of rhinitis subjects. (3) The predominant site of isoproterenol-associated bronchodilatation differs between allergic rhinitis and normal subjects.