Factors Affecting Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Rhinitis Patients / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many studies have revealed a close relationship between allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. This study was designed to evaluate clinical parameters affecting bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in patients with rhinitis symptoms. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: One hundred thirty-seven patients who visited the outpatient clinic due to rhinitis symptoms were evaluated retrospectively. All patients undertook an allergic skin test, the methacholine bronchial provocation test and were tested for clinical parameters such as allergic symptoms, IgE levels, and sinonasal outcome test-20 were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients with AR had a higher proportion of BHR than the non-allergic group (28.0% vs. 4.5%, p=0.001) did, and children had higher prevalence of BHR than adults (p<0.005) did. There was no significant difference according to the type of allergen. Sinusitis or nasal polyp did not influence BHR and there were no significant differences according to the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma classification. The mean serum eosinophil count was significantly higher in BHR group. CONCLUSION: Patients with AR had more BHR, and age and serum eosinophil counts were related to BHR. Hence, the additional evaluation of lower airway might be required in high risk patients of BHR, such as pediatric AR patients and patients with elevated eosinophil counts.