Prevalence Of Nasal Symptoms Research Articles

Immunotherapy: Current indications and recommendations in the management of ocular allergy

Abstract Allergic diseases, including allergic conjunctivitis (AC), pose a significant health burden, affecting both developed and developing nations. Despite its importance, AC is often underreported, leading to underestimated incidence and prevalence. The coexistence of AC with allergic rhinitis and its comorbidity with asthma underscore its clinical relevance. The prevalence of nasal symptoms with eye symptoms related to eye allergy varies among different age groups and regions worldwide. Climatic factors, aeroallergens, and environmental exposure play significant roles in the prevalence of ocular allergies. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) represents the only disease-modifying treatment for IgE-mediated allergic diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the history, mechanisms, and evidence of AIT for ocular allergies, with a focus on AC. The primary routes of AIT, subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are discussed in detail. The evidence for AIT in treating AC is extensive and demonstrates its effectiveness in alleviating ocular symptoms, reducing medication usage, and improving the quality of life in patients. Both SCIT and SLIT have shown positive results, with SLIT having a more favorable safety profile. Considerations for initiating and maintaining AIT, including adherence, financial burden, and treatment duration, are highlighted. In summary, AIT is a valuable treatment option for AC, offering long-term symptom relief and potential cost-effectiveness. By understanding the history, mechanisms, and evidence of AIT, healthcare providers can better manage ocular allergies and improve patient outcomes.

Rapid diagnostic method for the identification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory tract infection.

Rapid diagnostic tests are useful tools in the early diagnosis of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) caused by a specific pathogens. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of a rapid and simple antigen test for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Ribotest Mycoplasma(®) in adolescent and adult patients with RTIs. In addition, we evaluated the accuracy of clinical and laboratory findings for the early presumptive diagnosis of M.pneumoniae RTI. We compared 55 cases with laboratory-confirmed M.pneumoniae infection using serology, culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 346 cases without laboratory-confirmed M.pneumoniae infection. Pneumonia cases were excluded in this study. Among patients with M.pneumoniae infection, the incidences of cough, sore throat, and sputum production were high, with rates of 98%, 61%, and 67%, respectively, but the specificity was low. The prevalence of nasal symptoms was significantly lower in patients with M.pneumoniae infection (9%) than in non-M.pneumoniae infection (70%; p<0.0001). When PCR was used as the control test, the sensitivity, specificity, and overall agreement rates with Ribotest(®) were 71%, 89%, and 87%, respectively. Clinical symptoms and laboratory data were of limited value in making the diagnosis of M.pneumoniae RTI in adolescent and adult patients. Our results suggested that Ribotest(®) may be helpful in distinguishing M.pneumoniae RTI patients from those without the disease. Physicians should consider the use of Ribotest(®) when patients have a persistent cough without nasal symptoms.

Respiratory and Nasal Symptoms, Immunological Changes, and Lung Function in Industrial Bakers

Background: Several studies reported that occupational exposure in bakery may cause respiratory impairment in exposed workers. Aim: To assess the respiratory effects and immunological changes of occupational exposure in industrial bakers. Material and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study including 43 industrial bakers (20 males and 23 females, aged 34-55 years) and an equal number of office workers, matched by sex, age and smoking status. Evaluation of examined subjects included completion of questionnaire, skin prick tests to common and work-related inhalant allergens, spirometry, and histamine challenge. Results: We found higher prevalence of nasal symptoms in the last 12 months in bakers with significant difference for runny nose (P = 0.033). Prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months was also higher in bakers and statistical significance was obtained for cough (P = 0.041) and phlegm (P = 0.023). We found similar prevalence of allergic sensitization to common inhalant allergens in both examined groups, while sensitization to wheat flour and meal flour was registered only among bakers. Measured spirometric parameters were lower in bakers with significant difference for MEF50 and MEF75 (P = 0.004, and P = 0.000, respectively). Prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) was non-significantly higher in bakers with significantly higher severity (P = 0.029). Conclusion: Our findings confirm that occupational exposure in industrial bakers may lead to adverse respiratory effects and immunological changes in exposed workers.

The prevalence of atopic symptoms in children with otitis media with effusion

Objective To determine the prevalence of allergic symptoms in children with otitis media with effusion (OME). Study Design A validated questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was used to determine the prevalence of allergic symptoms in children. The questionnaire was completed by the parents of children with OME undergoing ventilation tube insertion, and the results were compared with a large reference group of school children of the same age. Subjects and Methods Children aged 6 or 7 years old with OME confirmed intraoperatively during ventilation tube insertion between 2001 and 2005 (n = 89). The prevalence of allergic symptoms and nasal symptoms in children with OME was compared with an age-matched reference group. Results There was no difference in the prevalence of allergic symptoms suggesting rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, or eczema between the OME and reference group. The prevalence of nasal symptoms, however, was greater in the children with OME than in the reference group 38.2 percent versus 23.5 percent (odds ratio = 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.10; P < 0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of allergic symptoms was similar in 6- to 7-year-old children with OME and the reference group, suggesting a limited effect of allergy in the pathogenesis of OME in this age group. Nasal symptoms were more common in the OME group, which may reflect a higher prevalence of adenoidal hyperplasia.

Prevalence of Nasal Symptoms in the United States: Findings from the Burden of Allergic Rhinitis in America Survey

Prevalence of Nasal Symptoms in the United States: Findings from the Burden of Allergic Rhinitis in America Survey

Prevalence and severity of allergic rhinitis in house dust mite-allergic patients with bronchial asthma or atopic dermatitis.

Allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis are closely associated. Although population-based studies report a high prevalence of rhinitis among asthma patients, less is known of the association between rhinitis and atopic dermatitis and the severity of concomitant rhinitis. We aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of allergic rhinitis among asthmatics and patients with atopic dermatitis and assessed whether age and comorbidity influence the severity of rhinitis signs and symptoms. Three hundred and twenty-five patients recruited for a multicentre trial to study the effect of encasings of mattresses, pillows and duvets on signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis and/or asthma and/or atopic dermatitis recorded visual analogue scores (VAS) and daily symptom scores and underwent nasal challenge tests with house dust mite (HDM). Based on history and clinical symptoms 92% of the 164 asthmatic patients and 85% of the 86 patients with atopic dermatitis could be diagnosed as having rhinitis. Inclusion of a positive provocation to HDM did not result in a substantial lower prevalence of rhinitis. Subjects reported moderate symptoms, with mean rhinitis VAS scores ranging from 40.0 to 55.0. Presence of atopic dermatitis was associated with lower rhinitis VAS and symptoms scores, whereas in multivariate analysis the presence of asthma was positively associated with nasal responsiveness to HDM. The prevalence of nasal symptoms in patients with bronchial asthma or atopic dermatitis and sensitized to house dust mites is high. Although the majority of patients experience mild to moderate symptoms, the presence of nasal disease needs to be examined in all patients with atopic disorders.

Prevalence of nasal symptoms and their relation to self-reported asthma and chronic bronchitis/emphysema

Little information is available on associations between rhinitis and chronic bronchitis/emphysema (CBE). Self-reported upper airway symptoms, asthma, and CBE were examined in 12,079 adults living in southern Sweden. The response rate was 70% (n=8,469), of whom 33% reported significant nasal symptoms: a blocked nose was reported by 21%; sneezing by 18%; nasal discharge by 17%; and thick yellow nasal discharge by 5.7%. Nasal symptoms and combined nasal and self-reported bronchial disease were generally more common among smokers than nonsmokers. There was little overlap between asthma and CBE, but 46% of those with asthma and 40% of those with CBE had significant nasal symptoms. Best predicting factors (odds ratios >3) for asthma and CBE were nasal symptoms due to exposure to animals and damp/cold air, respectively. One-third of an adult, southern Swedish population, had significant allergic and/or nonallergic nasal symptoms. Nasal symptoms were frequently found to coexist with both asthma and chronic bronchitis/emphysema, suggesting that pan-airway engagement is common in both diseases. Differing associations between types of nasal symptoms and allergic and irritant triggers of nasal symptoms, with regard to asthma and chronic bronchitis/emphysema, emphasize the different natures of these bronchial diseases.

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in a group of women weavers in South Africa

Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity were studied in 97 women carpet weavers in a hand-made carpet weaving industry in Umtata, Transkei, South Africa. The controls were from a bottling plant in the same city. Both groups were Black Africans from the Xhosa-speaking population. The population we studied were non-smokers and there was no significant difference in age, race or height between the groups. The exposed weavers had significantly lower forced expiratory indices than the control group. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ), forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25–75%), forced expiratory flow between 200 ml and 1200 ml of forced vital capacity (FEF 200–1200), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were: 26·0%, 39·0%, 36·4% and 28·5% lower respectively in the exposed group compared with the controls. Mean forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory ratio (FEV 1 /FVC × 100) were 22·0% and 6·6% lower respectively in the exposed group compared with the controls. The percentage predicted (%pred) values of FVC, FEV 1, FEV 1 /FVC ratio, FEF 25–75%, FEF 200–1200, and PEF in the exposed group were 82·9%, 77·1%, 95·6%, 64·6%, 72·2%, and 82·8%, respectively. The prevalence of FEV 1 /FVC ratio less than 70% in the exposed group was 37·2%, while in the controls it was 12%. The exposed group reported a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms compared to the control. The prevalence of nasal symptoms and cough was 62·8% and 58·1%, respectively in the weavers. Weavers who reported cough, breathlessness, and wheezing had significantly ( p

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in flour processing workers in the baking industry

Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity were studied in 63 flour processing male bakery workers in Umtata, Transkei, Southern Africa. The controls were from a bottling plant in the same city. Both groups were black Africans from the Xhosa-speaking population. The studied population was nonsmoking and no significant difference was noted in age, race, sex, or height between the groups. The exposed workers had significantly lower forced expiratory indices than the control group. Mean percent predicted values of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced expiratory ratio (FEV1/FVC x 100), forced mid-expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FMF), forced expiratory flow between the first 200 ml and 1,200 ml of FVC (FEF 200-1,200), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) were, respectively, 11.2%, 20.0%, 31.0%, 27.4%, and 36.1% lower in the exposed group compared with the controls. The prevalence of forced expiratory ratio less than 70% in the exposed group was 37% while in the controls it was 8%. The prevalence of PEF rate less than 5 1/s in the exposed group was 32% while in the controls it was 11%. The exposed workers reported a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms compared to the controls. The prevalence of nasal symptoms, phlegm, and cough in the exposed workers was 53.9%, 30.1%, and 25.4%, respectively. The present study demonstrated that exposure to flour dust in flour processing workers in the baking industry is associated with significantly lower pulmonary functions and a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, and that these workers show signs of airway obstruction, compared to workers not exposed to flour.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)