Nose Symptoms Research Articles

Describing the ear, nose, and throat symptom burden in a cohort of Australian patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia

Describing the ear, nose, and throat symptom burden in a cohort of Australian patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia

Cost-utility and clinical outcome analysis of surgery or oral corticosteroids treatment in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Surgery and oral corticosteroids are recommended therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients who are nonresponsive to intranasal corticosteroid treatment. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these 2 treatments in terms of improving sinus-related symptoms, enhancing quality of life, and economic costs and duration costs. This prospective study enrolled CRSwNP patients. All participants were instructed to complete the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), visual analog scale, and 36-item short-form (SF-36) questionnaire at baseline and 3 months after treatment. The nasal polyp score (NPS) was assessed via endoscopic examination. Additionally, patients were requested to maintain records of economic direct costs, other indirect costs, and duration costs throughout the 3-month period and to report them during each follow-up visit. A total of 40 patients who underwent surgery or received oral corticosteroids were enrolled in this study. After 3 months of treatment, significant improvements were observed between baseline and 3 months after treatment in the NPS, total SNOT-22 score, and nasal congestion, runny nose, facial pain, olfactory function, and overall symptoms measured. Only headache and sleep order were improved in the surgery group. Both physical functioning and general health, as measured by the SF-36, improved after both treatments, and the role-physical, bodily pain, and social functioning domains of the SF-36 improved only in the surgery group. The changes in the NPS, nasal congestion, runny nose, olfactory function, and sleep disorders in the surgery group were greater than those in the oral corticosteroid group (P values = 0.0003, 0.0092, 0.0258, 0.0284, and 0.0164, respectively). Changes in the total SNOT-22 score and SF-36 subscores were not different between the 2 treatment groups. The direct economic costs and duration costs of surgical treatment were 4.5 times and 17.0 times higher, respectively, than those of oral corticosteroid treatment. Both surgical and oral corticosteroid treatments effectively improved clinical symptoms and quality of life in patients with CRSwNP. Patients who underwent surgery exhibited greater improvements in sinus-related symptoms. Nevertheless, oral corticosteroid treatment presented notable advantages in terms of economic cost and duration cost of disease-related care.

A case study on the management of Prathishyaya (Chronic Allergic Rhinitis) using Bharangi Arka Nasal Spray

The omnipresence of Prathishyaya among school-aged groups is overlooked until the complications like kasa, swasa and rajayakshma come into being. Pratishyaya if taken heed of in the initial stage, helps to frustrate the looming effects of its complications. Bharangi Arka is cited as an effectual remedy for Prathishyaya in the Arka Prakasha of Ravana. Prescribing medications for children is usually challenging as they often resist taking them and so, Ayurveda formulations when transmuted into more palatable forms can have salutary impacts on children than classical forms. This case study was carried out on an 8 ½ years old male child with sneezing, runny nose and chronic symptoms including nasal itching and obstruction in particular. Prathishyaya was diagnosed after a proper clinical evaluation. Bharangi Arka in the form of nasal spray was opted as the sole drug in the treatment. Assessment of symptoms was done using Total Nasal Symptom score on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days of the first month of the treatment and at the end of the following two months. Subsidence of all the symptoms was observed in the patient almost in the 4th week. This corroborates the stupendous action of Bharangi Arka nasal spray on Pratishyaya and it could usher in a way for further research to be carried out on the potency of nasal sprays in Ayurveda.

The Impact of Ambient Air Pollution on Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms: A Prospective Follow-Up Study.

Air pollution has become a serious public health problem and there is evidence that air pollution affects the incidence of allergic rhinitis. To further investigate the effect of ambient air pollutants on the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms, a prospective follow-up study in patients with allergic rhinitis was conducted. A total of 167 allergic rhinitis patients with a mean age of 35.4 years, who were visiting the hospital, were enrolled. The daily symptom severity of allergic rhinitis and the concentrations of six air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, O3 and NO2, were collected through follow-up investigations. The impact of ambient air pollutants on symptom severity was assessed via multi-pollutant models. Among several typical ambient air pollutants, we observed correlations of allergic rhinitis symptoms with PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2 and NO2, whereas O3 showed no such correlation. Specifically, PM2.5 and PM10 were significantly associated with sneezing and nasal blockage. NO2 was significantly correlated with symptoms of rhinorrhea, itchy nose and itchy eyes. CO was significantly linked to sneezing and nasal blockage symptoms. These air pollutants not only had a direct impact on allergic rhinitis symptoms but also exhibited a lagging effect. This study indicates that short-term exposure to air pollutants is associated with exacerbation of nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis, leading to a decline in their quality of life.

Pathogenic investigation of human respiratory syncytial virus infection in kindergarten children in Tongzhou District, Beijing City in 2023

The study focused on individuals with influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and other respiratory symptoms) in three kindergartens in Tongzhou District, Beijing City, in April 2023. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens were collected, and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect common respiratory pathogens in the collected specimens. Positive specimens were subjected to sequencing analysis of the highly variable region of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) G protein, homology analysis and phylogenetic tree analysis. A total of 25 fever cases were collected from 3 kindergartens, aged 3-8 years old, with an age M (Q1, Q3) of 4 (3.5, 5) years old. Ten confirmed cases of HRSV positive were screened and detected using the fluorescent quantitative PCR method, with a total detection rate of 40% (10/25). Typing identification and sequencing analysis confirmed that the main epidemic type was HRSV subtype B, which was highly homologous and closely related to previous epidemic strains in the region. Through pathogen investigation and analysis, it was preliminarily determined that this epidemic was dominated by HRSV subtype B.

Clinical Manifestations of Runny nose among Patients Attending Baqubah Teaching Hospital

Background: The runny nose refers to a discharge (fluid) coming from the nasal passages.Runny nose is associated with inflammation and swelling (congestion) of the inner lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. May associated with atopic condition the patient complain from nasal obstruction, runny nose, episode of sneezing, and nasal pruritis. Objective: To examine the demographic distribution, clinical features, and age disparities among male and female patients with Runny nose (Rhinorrhea). Patients and Methods: A study was done on 100 AR patients at Baqubah Teaching Hospital. Information on demographics, clinical symptoms, and age variations between males and females were gathered and examined through the use of descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests. Results: The Findings revealed that most of the subjects were women (56%) and homemakers (38%), with an average age of 29.73 years. Frequent symptoms comprised of sneezing (93%), runny nose (83%), itchy nose (74%), and stuffy nose (92%). There was no notable variation in age between males and females (p = 0.139). Conclusion: Clinical symptoms of runny nose are often recognized consist of rhinorrhea, sneezing, obstruction of the nasal passages with lacrimation and pruritus of the nasal mucosa, conjunctiva and oropharynx with history of allergic rhinitis. Conditions commonly associated with allergic rhinitis include asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis. Long standing disease can lead to mucosa remodeling, atrophic skin changes, nasal infection and overall increased morbidity.

Clinical Manifestations of Runny nose among Patients Attending Baqubah Teaching Hospital

Background: The runny nose refers to a discharge (fluid) coming from the nasal passages.Runny nose is associated with inflammation and swelling (congestion) of the inner lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. May associated with atopic condition the patient complain from nasal obstruction, runny nose, episode of sneezing, and nasal pruritis. Objective: To examine the demographic distribution, clinical features, and age disparities among male and female patients with Runny nose (Rhinorrhea). Patients and Methods: A study was done on 100 AR patients at Baqubah Teaching Hospital. Information on demographics, clinical symptoms, and age variations between males and females were gathered and examined through the use of descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests. Results: The Findings revealed that most of the subjects were women (56%) and homemakers (38%), with an average age of 29.73 years. Frequent symptoms comprised of sneezing (93%), runny nose (83%), itchy nose (74%), and stuffy nose (92%). There was no notable variation in age between males and females (p = 0.139). Conclusion: Clinical symptoms of runny nose are often recognized consist of rhinorrhea, sneezing, obstruction of the nasal passages with lacrimation and pruritus of the nasal mucosa, conjunctiva and oropharynx with history of allergic rhinitis. Conditions commonly associated with allergic rhinitis include asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis. Long standing disease can lead to mucosa remodeling, atrophic skin changes, nasal infection and overall increased morbidity. Keywords: Runny nose, nasal obstractions , nasal pruritis, stuffy nose

Consensus on intake questionnaire data elements in the development of an aerodigestive registry

ObjectiveTo define the essential elements of the intake questionnaire that will be a part of a larger multicenter registry for aerodigestive patients. MethodsA modified Delphi method was utilized to obtain consensus on the data elements that should warrant inclusion in the final research database. Patient questionnaires from the eight participating institutions were reviewed and individual elements were aggregated into 14 categories. ResultsA total of 198 initial elements were voted on for inclusion. The categories included demographics, respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, ear nose and throat symptoms, feeding, birth history, medical history, surgical history, family history, social history, medications prior to evaluation, devices used prior to evaluation, prior diagnostic evaluations, and prior evaluation by aerodigestive team members. 83 of the 198 elements met consensus for inclusion in the final registry for an inclusion rate of 41.9 %. Three separate rounds of ranking were required to obtain consensus. ConclusionThe aerodigestive registry is an important initiative that will help foster research and help guide future management. The intake questionnaire of the registry is a critical component of this project, and the consensus obtained during this study should help create a streamlined and efficient registry that will help all aerodigestive patients on a national level.

Application of modified no-touch technique in rabbit arteriovenous fistula model and its effect on venous neointimal hyperplasia.

To investigate the technical advantages of a modified no-touch technique (MNTT) in constructing arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) compared to the conventional technique (CT) and assess its potential to reduce neointimal hyperplasia in the outflow vein. Forty-seven New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: control, CT, and MNTT. Rabbits in control group were observed using ultrasound and then euthanized to obtain external jugular vein (EJV) for Hematoxylin-eosin (H-E). We established common carotid artery (CCA)-EJV AVF using MNTT in the MNTT group and the CT in the CT group. AVF patency and complications were compared between the CT and MNTT groups. Rabbits with patent AVF in both groups were observed using ultrasound 2 weeks after surgery to evaluate changes in the vessel diameter and blood flow spectrum of the AVFs. H-E staining measured the intima thickness of EJV adjacent to the anastomosis and histologic characteristics of the AVF at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. Five rabbits died after surgery with common symptoms of sneezing, coughing, runny nose, anorexia, and diarrhea; two in the MNTT group and three in the CT group. There were significant differences in the diameter (p = 0.010) and peak systolic velocities (PSV) (p = 0.001) of EJV between the CT and MNTT groups 2 weeks after surgery. Spiral laminar flow (SLF) was observed in CCA and EJV adjacent to anastomosis in the MNTT group. Additionally, histological observations showed less venous neointimal hyperplasia in the MNTT group than in the CT group 4 weeks after surgery. The rabbit model of CCA-EJV AVF established using MNTT demonstrated fewer complications, larger vein diameters, and reduced venous neointimal hyperplasia, indicating that this maybe an ideal animal model to further investigate the application of MNTT in AVF surgery.

Implementing Bayes’ Theorem Method in Expert System to Determine Infant Disease

The infant’s immune system requires parental attention and is recommended to be checked regularly by health professionals. These diseases suffered by infants are Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), Diarrhea, Acute Pharyngitis, Scabies, and Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD). Treatment can be provided at the public health center (Puskesmas), although there is still a general shortage of specialist doctors and no system to help diagnose diseases suffered by infants. Bayes’ Theorem is a rule that uses probability to make the best decision based on available information. This study makes a diagnosis of the disease suffered by the baby with the aim that the disease can be treated early by using the Bayes’ Theorem method. Based on the scenario that babies who experience symptoms of cold cough, itchy, and runny nose are then calculated using the Bayes’ Theorem method, it is concluded that the baby is suffering from Scabies. Bayes’ Theorem method, which was tested on 30 data, was found to have an accuracy value of 0.89 or 89%. The infant disease expert system using the Bayes’ Theorem method makes it easier for parents to find out the disease in their baby so that they can take action on the symptoms that appear.

Exploring the Prevalence of Tinnitus and Ear-Related Symptoms in China After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Online Cross-Sectional Survey.

Tinnitus is a complex and heterogeneous disease that has been identified as a common manifestation of COVID-19. To gain a comprehensive understanding of tinnitus symptoms in individuals following COVID-19 infection, we conducted an online survey called the China Ear Nose and Throat Symptom Survey in the COVID-19 Pandemic (CENTSS) among the Chinese population. Our objective was to investigate tinnitus and ear-related symptoms after COVID-19 infection in the Chinese population, with the aim of providing a solid empirical foundation for improved health care. The findings from CENTSS can contribute to the development of enhanced management strategies for tinnitus in the context of long COVID. By gaining a better understanding of the factors contributing to tinnitus in individuals with COVID-19, health care providers can tailor interventions to address the specific needs of affected patients. Furthermore, this study serves as a basis for research on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection and its associated tinnitus symptoms. A quantitative, online, cross-sectional survey study design was used to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on experiences with tinnitus in China. Data were collected through an online questionnaire designed to identify the presence of tinnitus and its impacts. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze individuals' demographic characteristics, COVID-19 infection-related ear symptoms, and the cognitive and emotional implications of tinnitus. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to model the cross-sectional baseline associations between demographic characteristics, noise exposure, educational level, health and lifestyle factors, and the occurrence of tinnitus. Between December 19, 2022, and February 1, 2023, we obtained responses from 1262 Chinese participants representing 24 regions, with an average age of 37 years. Among them, 540 patients (42.8%) reported experiencing ear-related symptoms after COVID-19 infection. Only 114 (9%) of these patients sought medical attention specifically for their ear symptoms, while 426 (33.8%) did not seek hospital care. Tinnitus emerged as the most prevalent and impactful symptom among all ear-related symptoms experienced after COVID-19 infection. Of the respondents, female participants (688/888, 77.78%), younger individuals (<30 years), individuals with lower education levels, participants residing in western China, and those with a history of otolaryngology diseases were more likely to develop tinnitus following COVID-19 infection. In summary, tinnitus was identified as the most common ear-related symptom during COVID-19 infection. Individuals experiencing tinnitus after COVID-19 infection were found to have poorer cognitive and emotional well-being. Different ear-related symptoms in patients post-COVID-19 infection may suggest viral invasion of various parts of the ear. It is therefore crucial to monitor and manage hearing-related changes resulting from COVID-19 as clinical services resume.

Evaluation of Olfactory Dysfunction Among COVID-19 Patients in Baghdad, Iraq.

Background SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) causes olfactory dysfunction which is characterized by anosmia or hyposmia. Characterization of olfactory dysfunction has added value to the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Nevertheless, scarce information exists about COVID-19 patients suffering from olfactory dysfunction in Iraq. This study aimed to identify olfactory dysfunction (anosmia or hyposmia) in Iraqi COVID-19 patients and examine their response to smell exercise at Baghdad Medical City Complex, Baghdad, Iraq. Methodology This case series prospective study involving 300 patients (160 males and 140 females) with COVID-19 infection was conducted from June 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021. We recorded signs and symptoms of COVID-19 among patients by examining olfactory dysfunction, n-butanol olfaction test, and smell test exercise. Results Anosmia and hyposmia were found in 69.3% and 30.7% of the patients, respectively; of these, 65.7% were of sudden onset. The association between olfactory dysfunction and smoking was not significant. The most frequent signs and symptoms of COVID-19 were fatigue, fever, loss of taste, myalgia, headache, sore throat, cough, depressed appetite, dyspnea, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The highest frequencies of occurrence of anosmia (30.7%) and hyposmia (13.3%) were in the age group of 31-40 years. The majority (47.7%) of patients with olfactory dysfunction recovered within one month of COVID-19 onset. The rest of the patients recovered within one month to 16 months. The most commonly encountered ear, nose, and throat symptoms were nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and facial/ear pain. The percentages of patients with anosmia and hyposmia recovering with smell exercise were significant at 64.7% and 25.3%, respectively. Conclusions The prognosis of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients was good as most cases recovered within a short period with concomitant smell exercise. Olfactory dysfunction in the majority of COVID-19 patients was self-limiting in young age groups, albeit in association with the non-severity of the disease. Being an important public health issue, examining olfactory dysfunction aspects should be considered in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment protocols of COVID-19 patients. In-depth exploration is needed to examine olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in patients suffering from severe COVID-19.

Ayurvedic Management of Vataja Pratishyaya w.s.r to Allergic Rhinitis (AR)- A Single Case Study

Introduction- In Ayurveda it is said that Nasa is the gate way of Shirah. There are 31 and 18 Nasa roga described by Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhatta respectively. There are 5 types of Pratishyaya described by Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhatta i.e Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Raktaja and Sannipataja. The Vataja Pratishyaya can be correlated with Allergic Rhinitis (AR). The management of Vataja Pratishyaya can be done by various treatment methods like Gritapana, Nasya, Dhumapana, Swedana, Internal medication. Aim-To evaluate the effect of Vaspa Swedana(Steam inhalation), Anutaila Marsha Nasya (Nasal instillation) , Chitraka Haritaki Avaleha (Orally) in the management of Vataja Pratishyaya (Allergic Rhinitis). Materials and Methods: The subject approached to Shalakya Tantra ENT OPD of Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (I.T.R.A), Jamnagar, with the symptoms of Running nose, Excessive Sneezing, Nasal obstruction, Itching of the nasal cavity since 15 days was systemically reviewed and Vaspa Swedana (Steam Inhaltion), Anutaila Marsha Nasya (Nasal Instillation), Chitraka Haritaki Avaleha (Orally) were prescribed. Results: The adopted Ayurvedic treatment showed complete remission in the disease Vataja Pratishyaya (Allergic Rhinitis) within 28 days. Discussion: Allergic Rhinitis is an allergic inflammation of the nasal membrane. It occurs when an allergen like pollen, dust or animal dander is inhaled by a private with a sensitized system. The symptoms of Vata- Kaphaj Pratishaya resembles most of Rhinitis. In Ayurveda the concept of allergy is widely elaborated under the concept of Ama, concept of Asatmya &amp; concept of Viruddha Aahara.Conclusion:.Here the treatment methods which are opted has Vata -Kapha Samana properties and has given a satisfactory result within 28 days.

THE USE OF MANUKA HONEY AND LEMON AS A TREATMENT FOR BRONCHOPNEUMONIA IN LOCAL CATS

Bronchopneumonia is a respiratory disease caused by non-infectious or infectious agents to the respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the bronchi and alveoli. The case study aimed to find out alternative diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for cases of bronchopneumonia. Physical examination was carried out on a cat with complaints of sneezing accompanied by moist nose and eyes unilaterally since one month. Physical examination showed a high intensity of sneezing accompanied by a runny nose mucoid unilateral from the nose and unilateral mucopurulent discharge from the eyes with a lot of volume and crackles heard in the area of ​​the bronchi to the lungs during inspiration and expiration. X-ray results of the thoracic region show inflammation of the bronchial walls and lungs. The results of cytological examination of the runny nose and eyes found cells neutrophils. The results of the haematological examination showed rate increase white blood cell (WBC), granulocytes, and red distribution width (RDW-CV). Bacterial culture examination showed results staphylococcus sp. on nasal discharge and bacteria Enterobacter sp. on eye discharge. The therapy given to cat cases is causative, symptomatic, and supportive by utilizing natural ingredients. Honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, while lemon water has antioxidant potential. Treatment is in the form of giving a combination of manuka honey and lemon water products with a total of 5 ml given orally twice a day for one month. The results of treatment for one month showed good progress in case animals with reduced frequency of runny nose and eyes and a significant decrease in the intensity of sneezing. Treatment in case animals can continue until the symptoms of runny nose and sneezing disappear completely

Hay diseases in Iceland

Diseases due to work in hay dust have long been known in Iceland and the first written records of them appear in the beginning of the 17th century. At the end of the 18th century, a district doctor alleges that they cause many deaths in the country. In the latter part of the 20th century, research was started to investigate the causes and nature of hay diseases in Iceland. Studies of allergens showed high levels of storage mites in hay. Highest levels were of Tarsonemus sp., Acarus farris and Lepidoglyphus destructor. A several micro-fungi were also found, most commonly Rhizopus sp., Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. Micropolyspora faeni was also found in all hay samples. A study was done on people aged 6-50 years in two districts in Iceland. In one district farmers used almost exclusively dry hay and in the other they used 80-90% silage. There was no difference in IgE-mediated allergy between the provinces, but most had positive skin tests for L. destructor and cattle. Those with symptoms connected with hay dust most often reported nasal symptoms (79%), eye symptoms (63%), cough (41%), dyspnea (32%) and fever (21%). Those who had positive skin reaction complained most often of nose and eye symptoms. A study was also conducted on subjects aged 16-87 years from the same regions investigating precipitin tests for M. faeni, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Aspergillus fumigatus. Pulmonary symptoms and lung function were also investigated. Precipitin tests were almost exclusively positive for M. faeni, and 5 individuals were positive for A. fumigatus and none for T. vulgaris. The precipitin tests were significantly more often positive in those working almost exclusively with dry hay (72.9% vs. 23.9%). They had also more commonly obstructive pulmonary disease (FEV1/FVC%&lt;70: 24.8% vs. 9.5%) as well as dyspnea when walking on level ground. There was a positive correlation between positive precipitin tests for M. faeni and dyspnea walking on level ground. The sensitivity and specificity of positive precipitin tests for M. faeni were investigated to detect farmer’s lung. The sensitivity was 82% and specificity was only 49%. A survey of emphysema in patients in the only Pulmonary Clinic in the country showed that farmers had more often emphysema than the rest of the country population, and 58% of farmers with emphysema had smoked compared to 94% of other emphysema patients.

Effects of probiotics on the prevention and treatment of children with allergic rhinitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Recent studies have demonstrated the anti-allergic effects of probiotics in humans. However, their role in preventing and treating pediatric allergic rhinitis has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to systematically review the efficacy and preventive effects of probiotics on pediatric allergic rhinitis. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases for all relevant studies on probiotics and pediatric allergic rhinitis. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included, data were extracted, and meta-analyses were performed. A total of 28 studies with 4,765 participants were included in this study. The pooled results showed that the use of probiotics was associated with a significant improvement in total nose symptom scores (SMD, -2.27; 95% CI, -3.26 to -1.29; P < 0.00001), itchy nose scores (SMD, -0.44; 95% CI, -0.80 to -0.07; P = 0.02), sneezing scores (SMD, -0.47; 95% CI, -0.84 to -0.10; P = 0.01), eye symptoms (SMD, -3.77; 95% CI, -5.47 to -2.07; P < 0.00001), and Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (SMD, -2.52; 95% CI, -4.12 to -0.92; P < 00001). However, the use of probiotics was not associated with the incidence of allergic rhinitis (RR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.74-1.08; P = 0.26). The present study demonstrated that probiotics were effective and safe for improving pediatric allergic rhinitis symptoms and quality of life. However, probiotics could not prevent pediatric allergic rhinitis.

The effects of aromatherapy with thyme oil on disease symptoms, vital findings, and hemodynamic parameters in COVID-19 patients

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of aromatherapy with thyme oil on disease symptoms, vital signs, and hemodynamic parameters in COVID-19 patients. MethodsWe conducted the randomized controlled trial with 140 (experimental group=70, control group=70) COVID-19 patients. Patients admitted to the COVID-19 service of the Batman Training and Research Hospital were included in the sample between 31.01 - 31.08 2022. Patients in the experimental group inhaled thyme oil 3 times a day during 5 days. At the end of day 5, symptoms and hemodynamic parameters were measured as posttest. Vital signs were measured 3 times a day during 5 days. The control group only received routine treatment. ResultsThyme oil was found to be effective in relieving symptoms of shortness of breath, dizziness, secretion, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite, cough, headache and muscle joint pain. Although there was improvement in the symptoms of nausea-vomiting, runny nose and loss of taste-smell, the effect was not statistically significant. Thyme oil significantly decreased body temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate (p<0.05), increased SPO 2 (p<0.05), and did not affect systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p>0.05). It had a significant effect on the regulation of pH, decreased CO2 and increased O2 significantly (p<0.05). ConclusionThyme oil aromatherapy was effective in reducing symptoms, regulating vital signs and hemodynamic parameters. Accordingly, thyme oil is recommended as non-pharmacological treatment method in COVID-19 patients.

Impact of different ANCA serotypes on the long-term outcome of ANCA-associated vasculitis patients

Objectives To investigate the clinical features and long-term outcomes of Chinese anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs)-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients with different ANCA serotypes. Methods Two hundred and twenty-four AAV patients from January 2010 to June 2021 were divided into myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA and proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA groups. Clinical and long-term outcomes were compared. Results In this study, the average follow-up was 46.4 months (range 0.3–188.4 months). One hundred and seventy-seven (79.0%) patients were MPO–ANCA-positive and 47 were PR3–ANCA-positive; the mean age of MPO–ANCA positive patients at diagnosis was elder than that of PR3–ANCA positive patients (67.0 vs. 60.0 years, p = .004). Among PR3–ANCA-positive patients, ear, nose and throat symptoms were more common (p = .014). Between two ANCA serotypes, there were no differences in complement 3 (C3), Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS), five-factor score (FFS) or other organ involvements. For all AAV patients, the overall survival rates at one, three and five years were 80.0%, 67.0% and 56.4%, respectively. The cumulative relapse-free rates of one, three and five years were 89.5%, 76.4% and 68.4%, respectively. The survival of AAV patients was unaffected by the ANCA serotype (p = .23). The ANCA serotype also had no effect on either disease relapse (p = .20) or remission rates (p = .10). In our study, PR3–ANCA patients showed a better long-term survival, as the 5-year survival rate and the 5-year relapse-free survival rate of PR3–ANCA patients were 60.7% and 76.9%, while that of MPO–ANCA patients were 55.2% and 65.8%, respectively. Rather than ANCA serotype, younger patients with milder kidney involvement and lower disease assessment scores (BVAS and FFS) might be more relevant to better prognosis. Conclusions The likelihood of induced remission, patient survival or disease recurrence is all unaffected by ANCA serotypes. A better prognosis is seen in younger patients with milder kidney involvement and lower BVAS/FFS scores.

DETERMINAN FAKTOR PERILAKU MEROKOK TERHADAP KEJADIAN ISPA PADA BALITA DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS AEK HABIL KOTA SIBOLGA TAHUN 2023

Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is an infection that occurs in the respiratory tract, both upper and lower respiratory tract which is often found in children, especially children under five yearof age. This infection can cause symptoms of cough, runny nose, and fever that last up to 14 days. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between smoking behavior and the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in children under five year in the working area of the Aek Habil Community Health Center, Kota Sibolga. The type of study used quantitative research with a cross sectional approach. The sample collection technique was carried out using simple random sampling method. The number of samples taken was 88 respondents. This study used statistical test with Chi Square.The results of the study:Shown that there is a relationship between knowledge and the incidence of ARI in children under five year in the work area of the Aek Habil Community Health Center (p=0.004), there is an attitude relationship with the incidence of ARI in children under five year in the work area of the Aek Habil Community Health Center (p=0.001), there is a relationship between action and the incidence of ARI in children under five year in the working area of the Aek Habil Community Health Center (p=0.002). It is hoped that the Community Health Center can provide information to the public, especially parents in order to reduce the incidence of ARI in children under five year and provide counseling about the dangers of smoking which can cause ARI in children under five year by reducing the use of cigarettes around children under five year.

The Efficacy of Budesonide, Levocabastine, and Their Combination in Treatment of Vasomotor Rhinitis

Introduction: Relevant studies have demonstrated that glucocorticoids and antihistamines, such as budesonide and azelastine, are effective in the treatment of vasomotor rhinitis, with their combined use being more effective than that of a single drug. The aim of this study was to assess the improvement in the symptoms of patients following the combined administration of these drugs. Methods: We conducted a single-center randomized study on 42 patients. Participants were randomly treated with budesonide, levocabastine hydrochloride, or their combination for 2 weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) score and levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), histamine (HA), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in nasal secretions were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: The symptoms of patients were improved in all 3 treatment groups compared with those before treatment. Following combined treatment, the improvement in symptoms of nasal obstruction, runny nose, nasal itching, and sneezing was much greater than those in the groups treated with budesonide or levocabastine hydrochloride alone (p = 0.04, 0.004, 0.005, 0.004, respectively). The decreased levels of these inflammatory mediators were significantly different between the different treatment groups. Conclusions: Budesonide or levocabastine hydrochloride alone improved the nasal symptoms of patients with vasomotor rhinitis and reduced the levels of ECP, HA, LTB4, and VIP in nasal secretions. However, their combination improved the symptoms of patients more significantly than each drug alone.