Pulmonary function tests in children with allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Background: Allergic Rhinitis is a chronic and common respiratory disorder due to its prevalence, effect on quality of life, performance at school and work place, economic burden and link with asthma. Pulmonary function tests like FEF (25-75%) and PEFR are impaired in allergic rhinitis Expiratory air flow limitation is the hallmark of physiological change in allergic rhinitis. Aims and Objective: The present study aims to study pulmonary function tests such as FVC, FEF, (25-75%) and PEFR in allergic rhinitis cases to evaluate their predilection to the development of asthma. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Physiology at Index Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The study was done on 80 male and female subjects of the age group of 6 to 18 years. Forty male and female subjects suffering from allergic rhinitis attending the Ear, Nose and Throat outpatient department of IMCHRC, Indore were taken as cases. Forty males and females were taken as controls after careful selection as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. PFT was done by Digital Spirometer – Helios 401 manufactured by RMS India.