Impact of Aeroallergen Sensitization on Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the impact of aeroallergens on the development and progression of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with a focus on the specific associations between aeroallergens and CRS according to allergen type, number, and extent of sensitization. METHODS: The medical records of 256 CRS patients were retrospectively analyzed. All were divided into nonallergic, house dust mite (HDM)-allergic, pollen-allergic, and double allergic groups via specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing. Clinical characteristics, computed tomography (CT) scores, olfactory functions, and demographic data were compared. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationships between the extent of allergen sensitization and CRS severity. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for hyposmia and anosmia. RESULTS: The allergic group exhibited higher total CT scores than the nonallergic group (P = 0.001). Sensitivity to HDM or pollen allergens alone was not significantly associated with increased CRS severity. No significant differences were observed between the effects of HDM and pollen allergens on CRS severity. However, the double allergic group exhibited significantly higher CT scores (P < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.003) than the other groups. Although the prevalence rates of anosmia and hyposmia were notably higher in the double allergic group, the difference was not statistically significant. The maximum specific IgE levels to HDM and pollen allergens positively correlated with the CT scores (P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Allergen sensitization, particularly to multiple common allergens, contributed to CRS severity. CRS patients sensitized to both HDM and pollen allergens tended to experience the diminished olfactory function. These findings underscore the importance of considering the allergen sensitization pattern when assessing CRS severity and its potential progression.

Prediction Model for Annual Variation in Total Pollen by Allergenic Trees in Korean Cities.

PURPOSE: Pollen forecasting systems can provide information for coping with respiratory allergies. They estimate daily pollen production, dispersal, deposition, and removal based on daily weather conditions to predict daily pollen concentrations and provide allergy warnings. As of 2023, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) provides 2-day forecast of allergenic pollens. However, unlike these models, long-term analysis of annual observations of tree pollen reveal annual variations. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop annual prediction models for allergenic tree pollens based on long-term multi-site pollen and meteorological data. METHODS: Daily pollen concentrations were observed using Hirst-type volumetric spore traps at nine sites in Korea from 1998 to 2021, and daily weather data from the closest KMA stations were utilized. Models were developed to predict the seasonal pollen integral of seven tree species based on monthly mean temperature, wind speed, and total precipitation using three variable selection methods: 1) the t-test based key variable screening followed by linear regression with stepwise procedure (TM), 2) direct linear regression with stepwise procedure from the full variable model (FM), and 3) LASSO regression from the full variable model (LM). RESULTS: Data obtained during 1998-2017 and 2018=2021 were utilized for model development and validation, respectively. The root mean squared error, mean absolute error, mean error, and coefficient of determination (R²) revealed that the TM models were best suited for actual forecasting, even though R² in the TM model was lower than those of the FM and LM models. CONCLUSIONS: The annual variation model in this study can be integrated with the daily pollen forecast model by controlling the annual pollen potential, and the accuracy of the daily forecast can be improved accordingly.

Early intervention improves clinical responses to seasonal allergic rhinitis by stimulation in sphenopalatine ganglion (Xinwu acupoint).

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of early intervention (4 weeks before pollen dispersal) with sphenopalatine ganglion (Xinwu acupoint) stimulation in patients with allergies after the onset of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized and unblinded half-open study. Forty-one SAR volunteers were randomly assigned to either the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) acupuncture plus supplementary acupuncture (SPG group) or the sham-SPG acupuncture plus supplementary acupuncture (SA group) stimulation 4 weeks before the onset of allergy season. The changes of the total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores were measured on the first week in the onset of allergy season. RESULTS: Four patients dropped out due to local hematoma and pain in the SPG and SA groups. The remaining 37 patients continued through to the end of the trial. After early intervention 4 weeks before the onset of allergy season, the sneezing, nasal congestion and itchiness scores in the first week of onset time were significantly lower in the SPG group than in the SA group patients ( 0.001). The RQLQ score obtained at the onset of symptoms indicated that symptoms were more significantly ameliorated in the SPG group than in the SA group (0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirmed that early intervention by sphenopalatine ganglion (Xinwu acupoint) stimulation can effectively improve the symptoms and the quality of SAR patients' daily lives.

Association of Allergic Sensitivity and Pollination in Allergic Respiratory Disease: The Role of Pollution.

Purpose: To evaluate the association between allergic sensitivity and pollen counts in patients with allergic respiratory disease (ARD) and its relationship with atmospheric pollutants. Methods: From 2012 to 2018, we evaluated the sensitivity by skin prick test in ARD patients. The pollen counts were analyzed according to international guidelines (2014-2018). The pollutant and meteorological data were obtained at the same time from AIRE-CDMX websites. We analyzed the association between allergic sensitivity and pollen counts using the χ2 test and stratified by disease allergic rhinitis (AR) and AR with asthma (ARwA), periods (before/after 2015), and pollination seasons (S1:2014-2015), (S2:2015-2016), (S3:2016-2017), (S4:2017-2018). Likewise, we correlated the pollen counts with the concentrations of pollutants using Pearson's correlation. For all analyses, we used SPSS v.21 software, and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 520 patients were enrolled, of whom 67.3% had ARwA and 33.7% had AR (p<0.05). The frequency of patients allergic to at least one pollen was higher compared with patients sensitive to indoor allergens (55.3% vs 44.6%, p<0.001). A total of 46.8% of the patients were only sensitive to trees in comparison to other outdoor allergens (p<0.001). The Fraxinus sp. and the Cupressaceae family allergens were approximately two times more frequent than the other tree allergens in both diseases (p<0.05). These pollens doubled their counts since 2015 (p<0.001), which was associated with increases in sensitivity for Fraxinus sp. and the Cupressaceae family compared to previous years (p<0.001). Regarding pollutants, the most significant correlations were with PM10, NO2, PMCO for Fraxinus sp. pollen concentrations in all seasons (p≤0.02). Conclusion: The high increases in pollen counts of the Fraxinus sp. and Cupressaceae family were associated with increases in the frequency of sensitization to these species, and this phenomenon correlated with increases in PM10, NO2, and PMCO.

Brazilian guidelines for the monitoring and treatment of pediatric allergic conjunctivitis / Diretrizes brasileiras sobre o monitoramento e tratamento da conjuntivite alérgica pediátrica

ABSTRACT Allergic conjunctivitis is an increasingly frequent condition with a higher prevalence in children. It can be debilitating and is responsible for a great economic burden. These guidelines were developed on the basis of the medical literature (PubMed/Medline database) and the experience of an Expert Committee composed of members of the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology, the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, and the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology. Allergic conjunctivitis is considered to be controlled when the ocular symptoms are not uncomfortable or are present, at most, on 2 days a week; the visual analog scale score is below 5; and the degree of conjunctival hyperemia is graded 0 or 1 on the Efron scale. Allergic conjunctivitis should be classified as mild, moderate, severe, and vision-threatening for adequate treatment and monitoring of frequency. The present document is a guideline for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring pediatric allergic conjunctivitis considering the clinical and demographic aspects of allergic conditions in Brazil.

RESUMO A conjuntivite alérgica (CA) é uma condição frequente, debilitante e responsável por grande impacto econômico, proporcionalmente maior quando acomete crianças. Essas diretrizes foram desenvolvidas com base na literatura científica (PubMed/Medline) e na experiência de um Comitê de Especialistas composto por membros da Sociedade Brasileira de Oftalmologia Pediátrica, do Conselho Brasileiro de Oftalmologia, da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria e da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia. A conjuntivite alérgica é considerada controlada quando os sintomas não são desconfortáveis ou estão presentes por dois dias na semana; o escore visual pela escala analógica é inferior a 5 e o grau de hiperemia conjuntival é de 0-1 pela escala de Efron. A conjuntivite alérgica deve ser classificada em leve, moderada, grave e com risco de perda visual para tratamento e frequência de monitoramento adequados. Esta diretriz orienta o diagnóstico, tratamento e monitoramento da conjuntivite alérgica pediátrica, considerando aspectos clínicos e demográficos das condições alérgicas no Brasil.

Evaluation of a Mobile Phone App for Patients With Pollen-Related Allergic Rhinitis: Prospective Longitudinal Field Study.

BACKGROUND: Mobile health apps have great potential to support the self-management of chronic conditions such as allergic diseases, which constitute significant challenges in health care. However, the health app market is confusing for users, as it is vast, dynamic, and lacks scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of the apps on offer. To our knowledge, no health app for pollen-related allergic rhinitis has been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the Husteblume mobile phone health app, developed in Germany to facilitate the self-management of pollen-related allergic rhinitis. METHODS: We evaluated usability and changes in quality of life, health literacy, and self-efficacy for managing one's chronic disease. We conducted 2 online surveys of registered users of the app, 1 before and 1 after the 2017 pollen season, allowing for the analysis of both cross-sectional and longitudinal data in a field setting. RESULTS: The sample comprised 661 app users at the first measurement point and 143 users at follow-up. The subgroup of study participants at follow-up rated the usability of the app as good or very good. There were no significant changes in patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life, health literacy, and self-efficacy between the 2 measurement points (P>.05). However, those reached at follow-up perceived subjective improvements due to the app: 55.9% (80/143) reported being subjectively better informed about their allergy, 27.3% (39/143) noted improved quality of life, 33.6% (48/143) reported subjectively better coping with their allergy, and 28.0% (40/143) felt better prepared for the consultation with their physician. Finally, 90.9% (130/143) users did not identify any adverse effects of the app. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some methodological caveats, the results of the evaluation of the Husteblume app are encouraging for the subgroup using the app in the long term. However, further studies evaluating the effectiveness of the app are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00011897; https://tinyurl.com/yxxrg9av.

[The comparison of step-down pharmacotherapy and maintaining dose therapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis].

Objective:There is no standard algorithm for the modulation of pharmacologic treatment of allergic rhinitis. This study aimed to recruited allergic rhinitis patients caused by cypress pollens, and compare the step-down pharmacotherapy guided by pollen count and the maintaining therapy which keeps the previous medicine dose when the pollen count decreased. Method:This was a randomized, open-labelled, parallel control study. During the period after the pollen peak when the cypress pollen count decreased and stayed at a low level, allergic rhinitis patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the step-down group（n=67） medicine dose was reduced, while the maintaining group（n=68） kept taking the same dose as in the peak season. The rhinitis symptom score and medicine score of these two groups were recorded and compared. Result:The daily rhinitis symptom score of the step-down group showed no significant difference with the symptom score of the maintaining group, 2.45±0.32 vs 2.43±0.41, P=0.788. But the medicine score of step-down group（3.67±0.98） was significantly lower than that of maintaining group（4.78±0.70）, P<0.001. The compliance of step-down group（80.6%） was also better than maintaining group（60.3%）, P=0.014. However, in the subgroup of patients with severe rhinitis symptoms, the symptoms of patients taking step-down therapy tended to be more severe than those maintaining the same dose. Conclusion:During the later period of the pollen season when the pollen count was relatively low, the step-down pharmacotherapy guided by pollen count could reduce the medication use, increase the compliance of patients while controlling their rhinitis symptoms effectively. But this strategy might be more suitable for patients with milder symptoms, the severe rhinitis sufferers should be cautious before reducing their medicine dose.

Allergenic Pollen Calendar in Korea Based on Probability Distribution Models and Up-to-Date Observations.

PURPOSE: The pollen calendar is the simplest forecasting method for pollen concentrations. As pollen concentrations are liable to seasonal variations due to alterations in climate and land-use, it is necessary to update the pollen calendar using recent data. To attenuate the impact of considerable temporal and spatial variability in pollen concentrations on the pollen calendar, it is essential to employ a new methodology for its creation. METHODS: A pollen calendar was produced in Korea using data from recent observations, and a new method for creating the calendar was proposed, considering both risk levels and temporal resolution of pollen concentrations. A probability distribution was used for smoothing concentrations and determining risk levels. Airborne pollen grains were collected between 2007 and 2017 at 8 stations; 13 allergenic pollens, including those of alder, Japanese cedar, birch, hazelnut, oak, elm, pine, ginkgo, chestnut, grasses, ragweed, mugwort and Japanese hop, were identified from the collected grains. RESULTS: The concentrations of each pollen depend on locations and seasons due to large variability in species distribution and their environmental condition. In the descending order of concentration, pine, oak and Japanese hop pollens were found to be the most common in Korea. The pollen concentrations were high in spring and autumn, and those of oak and Japanese hop were probably the most common cause of allergy symptoms in spring and autumn, respectively. High Japanese cedar pollen counts were observed in Jeju, while moderate concentrations were in Jeonju, Gwangju and Busan. CONCLUSIONS: A new methodology for the creation of a pollen calendar was developed to attenuate the impact of large temporal and spatial variability in pollen concentrations. This revised calendar should be available to the public and allergic patients to prevent aggravation of pollen allergy.

Stability of extracts from pollens of allergenic importance in Korea.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Accurate diagnosis and the effects of allergen-specific immunotherapy for pollinosis are greatly dependent on the potency and stability of the extract. This study aimed to examine factors, such as temperature and storage buffer composition, that affect the stability of allergen extracts from pollens of allergenic importance in Korea. METHODS: We prepared four pollen allergen extracts from ragweed, mugwort, Japanese hop, and sawtooth oak, which are the most important causes of seasonal rhinitis in Korea. Changes of protein and major allergen concentration were measured over 1 year by Bradford assay, two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after reconstitution of the lyophilized allergen extract in various buffers and stored at room temperature (RT, 18°C to 26°C) or refrigerated (4°C). RESULTS: More than 90% of the original protein concentration in all four extracts examined was detected over 1 year when 50% glycerol was added and refrigerated, whereas 57.9% to 94.5% remained in the extracts at RT. The addition of 50% glycerol to the storage buffer was found to prevent protein degradation at RT. Amb a 1, a major allergen of ragweed, was almost completely degraded in 9 weeks at RT when reconstituted in a buffer without 50% glycerol. However, 55.6% to 92.8% of Amb a 1 content was detected after 1 year of incubation at 4°C in all buffer conditions except 0.3% phenol. CONCLUSION: Addition of 50% glycerol as well as refrigeration was found to be important in increasing the shelf-life of allergen extracts from pollens of allergenic importance.

Helicobacter pylori in allergic and non-allergic rhinitis does play a protective or causative role?

PURPOSE: Many studies have investigated the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization on the development of allergic diseases, but with conflicting results. The purpose of this cross-sectional observation study is to estimate H. pylori prevalence in allergic and nonallergic nasal conditions and compare with normal population. METHODS: 274 patients were tested for H. pylori with stool antigen test. Patients were compared with the control group for H. pylori positivity rates after they were categorized according to their primary diagnoses as mite allergy, pollen allergy, mite and pollen allergy, and non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilic syndrome (NARES). Results were also classified according to age. RESULTS: The number of H. pylori-positive patients with mite allergy, mite and pollen allergy, and NARES were significantly higher than the control group in sadults. The percentages of patients in the pediatric group who had mite allergy, pollen allergy, mite and pollen allergy, or NARES were not significantly different when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Forthcoming studies would undoubtedly evaluate of the profits of treating allergic nasal conditions by treating the aforementioned bacterial infection.

Allergenic Pollen Calendar in Korea Based on Probability Distribution Models and Up-to-Date Observations

PURPOSE: The pollen calendar is the simplest forecasting method for pollen concentrations. As pollen concentrations are liable to seasonal variations due to alterations in climate and land-use, it is necessary to update the pollen calendar using recent data. To attenuate the impact of considerable temporal and spatial variability in pollen concentrations on the pollen calendar, it is essential to employ a new methodology for its creation.METHODS: A pollen calendar was produced in Korea using data from recent observations, and a new method for creating the calendar was proposed, considering both risk levels and temporal resolution of pollen concentrations. A probability distribution was used for smoothing concentrations and determining risk levels. Airborne pollen grains were collected between 2007 and 2017 at 8 stations; 13 allergenic pollens, including those of alder, Japanese cedar, birch, hazelnut, oak, elm, pine, ginkgo, chestnut, grasses, ragweed, mugwort and Japanese hop, were identified from the collected grains.RESULTS: The concentrations of each pollen depend on locations and seasons due to large variability in species distribution and their environmental condition. In the descending order of concentration, pine, oak and Japanese hop pollens were found to be the most common in Korea. The pollen concentrations were high in spring and autumn, and those of oak and Japanese hop were probably the most common cause of allergy symptoms in spring and autumn, respectively. High Japanese cedar pollen counts were observed in Jeju, while moderate concentrations were in Jeonju, Gwangju and Busan.CONCLUSIONS: A new methodology for the creation of a pollen calendar was developed to attenuate the impact of large temporal and spatial variability in pollen concentrations. This revised calendar should be available to the public and allergic patients to prevent aggravation of pollen allergy.

Effect of mizolastine conventional dose combined with momestasone furoate in the treatment of allergic rhinitis caused by pollen allergy / 中国基层医药

Objective To compare the effects of mizolastine intensive dose and mizolastine conventional dose+momestasone furoate on symptom score and laboratory index of patients with allergic rhinitis caused by pollen allergy.Methods From June 2016 to January 2018,one hundred and fifty allergic rhinitis patients caused by pollen allergy were chosen in the First People＇s Hospital of Taizhou and randomly divided into two groups according to the digital table,with 75 patients in each group.A group was treated with mizolastine intensive dose scheme,and B group was treated with mizolastine conventional dose +momestasone furoate. The short -term efficacy,rhinitis symptoms score,the levels of histamine,leukotrienes C4,IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α before and after treatment,the incidence of adverse reactions and daily treatment cost of the two groups were compared.Results The short-term efficacy of B group was significantly better than that of A group(93.33% vs.81.33% ,χ2 =9.15,P<0.05).The rhinitis symptoms scores of B group[(0.49 ± 0.19)points,(1.02 ± 0.20) points,(0.95 ± 0.28) points,(0.84 ± 0.20)points] after treatment were significantly lower than those of A group [(0.87 ± 0.21) points,(1.40 ± 0.24) points,(1.63 ± 0.36)points,(1.19 ± 0.27) points] and before treatment[(3.13 ± 1.06) points,(2.88 ± 0.57) points,(2.81 ± 0.79)points,(2.85 ± 0.61)points](t=2.45,2.71,2.66,2.89,3.78,3.75,3.44,4.53,all P<0.05).The levels of histamine,leukotrienes C4,IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α of B group[(15.76 ± 3.54) mg/L,(12.17 ± 3.58) mg/L, (1.23 ± 0.19)mg/L,(3.27 ± 0.62)mg/L,(3.96 ± 1.05)mg/L] after treatment were significantly lower than those of A group [(19.58 ± 5.25) mg/L,(15.44 ± 4.14) mg/L,(1.96 ± 0.33)mg/L,(5.40 ± 0.88) mg/L,(5.01 ± 1.40)mg/L] and before treatment[(24.57 ± 7.67) mg/L,(18.90 ± 6.33) mg/L,(2.58 ± 0.54) mg/L,(7.66 ± 1.17)mg/L,(6.81 ± 1.67)mg/L](t=2.31,2.50,2.53,2.39,3.05,3.60,3.10,3.57,3.90,all P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P >0.05).The daily treatment cost of B group after treatment was significantly less than that of A group and before treatment[(7.56 ± 1.02)CNY vs.(6.88 ± 0.80)CNY,t=3.12,P<0.05].Conclusion Compared with mizolas-tine intensive dose scheme,mizolastine conventional dose + momestasone furoate in the treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis caused by pollen allergy can efficiently relieve the nasal symptoms, down - regulate the levels of histamine,leukotriene C4 and inflammatory cytokines,reduce the treatment cost and has the approved safety.

Comparison of effect of desloratadine citrate disodium tablets and loratadine dispersible tablets in treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis / 中国基层医药

Objective To compare the efficacy and adverse reactions of desloratadine citrate disodium tablets and loratadine dispersible tablets in treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis,and their influence on leukotriene B4(LTB4),interleukin-4 (IL-4),interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interferon gamma (INF-γ).Methods From June 2015 to June 2016,a total of 110 patients with allergic rhinitis in the Second People's Hospital of Cangnan County were selected and randomly divided into control group and observation group according to the digital table,with 55 cases in each group.The control group was given loratadine dispersible tablets,while the observation group was given desloratadine citrate disodium tablets.Both two groups were treated for 14 days.The clinical efficacy,adverse reactions and changes of LTB4,IL-4,IL-10,INF-γ levels before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.Results The total effective rate of the observation group was 94.5 ％,which was significantly higher than 80.0％ of the control group(x2 =6.310,P ＜ 0.05).The incidence rate of adverse reactions in the observation group was 16.4％,which was similar to 20.0％ in the control group.Before treatment,there were no statistically significant differences in LTB4,IL-4,IL-10,INF-γ levels between the two groups (all P ＞ 0.05).After 2 weeks of treatment,the levels of LTB4,IL-4,IL-10 and INF-γ in the observation group were (67.74 ±10.15) ng/L,(52.37 ± 5.12) μg/L,(81.26 ± 11.78) μg/L,(94.47 ± 7.87) μg/L,respectively,which in the control group were (80.32 ± 9.97) ng/L,(62.95 ± 5.45) μg/L,(96.32 ± 11.57) μg/L,(86.74 ± 7.63) μg/L,respectively,there were statistically significant differences between the two groups (t =7.124,5.262,4.654,3.718,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Both desloratadine citrate disodium tablets and loratadine dispersible tablets can effectively treat patients with allergic rhinitis,improve the symptoms and physical signs,reduce the levels of LTB4,IL-4 and IL-10,increase the level of INF-γ,and the adverse reactions are less and slight,but the efficacy of desloratadine citrate disodium tablets is better than loratadine dispersible tablets.

Effects of scoparone on the expression of RORγt and related factors in experimental allergic rhinitis rats / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of behavior, pathology, the serum IL-17, IL-23 level, and the expressing of RORγt, IL-17 and IL-23 mRNA in nasal tissues of experimental allergic rhinitis rats after the scoparone treatment. METHODS The animal model were divided into 4 groups: normal control group(group NC), allergic rhinitis group(group AR), artemolactone group(group Sco) and dexamethasone group(group Dxm). The symptom score, HE staining of the nasal mucosa, IL-17 and IL-23 level in serum measured by ELISA, the RORγt, IL-17 and IL-23 mRNA level detected by RTPCR. RESULTS Symptoms and inflammatory pathology were relieved in the experimental group after scoparone treatment. The serum levels of the IL-17, IL-23 in group Sco and group Dxm were little higher than that in group NC. The levels of RORγt, IL-17 and IL-23 mRNA in group AR were significantly higher than that in the other three groups. The levels of RORγt, IL-17 and IL-23 mRNA in group Sco and group Dxm were little higher than that in the group NC. CONCLUSION Sco could significantly inhibited or eliminated the allergy symptoms of AR in rats, and could reduce the severity and inflammatory response of diseases.

Effect and mechanism of PPAR gamma agonist on allergic rhinitis in mice / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To invest igate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of PPAR gamma agonist on allergic rhinitis(AR) in mice. METHODS AR murine model was established by OVA sensitization and challenge. The behavior observation was used to understand the improvement effect of PIO on AR symptoms. The morphological characteristics of nasal tissues were observed by HE staining. The total RNA was extracted to investigate the level of mRNA expression of Foxp3, T-bet and GATA-3. The changes of CD4+Foxp3+T cells in spleen of mice were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS BALB/c mice received OVA sensitization followed by OVA intranasal challenge, the frequencies of sneezing and nose-scratching increased signif icantly in AR group compared with control group. The frequencies decreased significantly in PIO group, compared with AR group. The continuity of nasal mucosa ciliated columnar epithelium in AR group was destroyed and appeared to be repaired in PIO group. Inflammatory cells infiltration was also markedly decreased by PIO treatment. PIO significantly increased the expression of Foxp3 mRNA(P ＜0.001) compared with AR and control group. There was no significant difference in T-bet between PIO group and AR group, but the expression of GATA-3 mRA in PIO group was significantly lower than AR group. The proportion of CD4+Foxp3+T cells in AR group (4.43％±0.25％) decreased compared with control group (5.19％±0.39％) (P ＜0.001). PIO treatment induced production of Tregs (6.35％±0.37％) compaered with control group(P ＜0.001). CONCLUSION PPAR-gamma agonist can effectively alleviate allergic symptoms of mice and regulate the balance of Th1/Th2. The role of PPAR gamma agonist in the treatment of AR may be the amplification of Tregs by promoting Foxp3 expression.

Studies on the correlation between FeNO and Pulmonary ventilation function in patients with mugwort pollen allergy / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To invest igate the correlation between fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO) and lung function in artemisia argyi allergy patients. Whether the course of disease and rhinitis score are correlated with FeNO and lung function. METHODS A total of 88 patients with mugwort pollen allergy, who visited the hospital between August and September 2017 and August and September 2018, the results of their FeNO and Pulmonary ventilation function, were included in this study. RESULTS Compared with patients with a duration of 9 years or more, FeNO and FEV1％ of patients with a duration of 5 years were significantly different(P =0.004, P =0.032), and FeNO increased with the extension of the duration, while FEV1％ decreased gradually. FeNO was negatively correlated with FEF25％-75％pred and FEV1％, while there was no correlation with FEV1％pred. Rhinitis score was positively correlated with FeNO. There was no correlation with FEV1％pred, FEV1％, FEF25％-75％pred. CONCLUSION With the development of mugwort pollen allergy, the probability of airflow limitation is also increased. To some extent, FeNO can predict the changes of airway function early, and can be used as a monitoring indicator for asthma prediction.FeNO value can reflect the degree of inflammation of the body, and can be used in the auxiliary diagnosis of the severity of allergic rhinitis patients.

Prevalence and risk factors of uncontrolled allergic rhinitis / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE We used Al lergic Rhinitis Control Test (ARCT) questionnaire to evaluate the control level of allergic rhinitis, in order to get the data of prevalence rate, epidemiological characters and risk factors of uncontrolled allergic rhinitis. METHODS Patients with AR were recruited from our department and the treatment based on the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma(ARIA) guidelines. Telephone interview will be taken after 2 weeks in these patients, compared to symptoms, impact on quality of life, ARCT value before and after treatment. RESULTS Among 134 patients enrolled, moderate/severe AR account for 95％. After 2 weeks of treatment, both symptom and quality of life were marked improvement(P <0.001). Patients with uncontrolled AR(26.1％) at day 15 more frequently presented higher height and weight(P <0.001), history of ear, nose, and throat(ENT) infection or antibiotics intake for respiratory infection in the last 12 months (40.4％ versus 62.9％, P =0.022), smoking (4.0％ versus 17.1％, P =0.02), and smell disturbance (10.1％ versus 25.7％, P =0.044). CONCLUSION Most of AR patients have remarkable improvements in symptom and quality of life after treatment, but 26.1％ of patients still remain uncontrolled. Smoking and nose infection are risk factors of uncontrolled AR.

Correlation between Novel Potential Indoor Risk Factors and Frequency of Doctor's Visit for Respiratory Problem in Taiwan's Tropical Environment.

BACKGROUND: With a global rising trend in prevalence of allergic diseases, more attention has been paid to investigation of environmental risk factors. Many risk factors have so far been identified. However, novel risk factors specific to Taiwanese environment and lifestyle were still relatively unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential effects of a number of little-known indoor risk factors on the frequency of doctor's visit for respiratory problems in context of Taiwanese environment and lifestyle. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was performed on a 861 participants around Kaohsiung area, Taiwan. Survey investigation was employed to assess the household environment and the frequency of doctor's visit for respiratory problems. RESULTS: Participants who performed "daily cleaning" was shown to have a significantly (p=0.007) higher mean number of doctor's visits in comparison to those who did not. Similar observation was made for participants who periodically took out beddings (p=0.042). Age had a significant positive correlation (linear regression ß 0.089) with frequency of respiratory problems. CONCLUSION: The habit of daily cleaning was implicated as a potential indoor risk factor due to the unique nature of Taiwanese cleaning habit and close contact with cleaning supplies, which could serve as chemical irritants. Bedding takeout was predicted to be an indicator of chronic allergies rather than an actual risk factor. However, both were controversial in their role as potential indoor risk factor, and required further examination.

Clinical application of extended nursing in asthmatic children with allergic rhinitis / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the effects of extended nursing mode on the asthmatic children with allergic rhinitis (AR).@*Methods@#Totally116 children aged 6-14 years old with asthma and AR were enrolled to this study from November 2015 to October 2016 in our hospital. They were divided into the regular nursing group and the extended nursing group according to the voluntary principle. The patients in regular nursing group were received routine nursing care in or out of hospital, while the patients in extended nursing group received extended care besides routine nursing. The children were required to record diary about asthma and AR And participate in asthma action projects. Before and after intervention we observed the quantitative score of symptoms and signs, the times of acute attack, the times of oblivion medication, the average days of stay in hospital, the days of fail to School or kindergarten, the lung function and the fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in children with asthma and AR within 1 year. These above marks were assessed five times respectively at starting (baseline) , 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months (1 year) The differences between two groups were compared with appropriate statistical methods.@*Results@#1 year later, out of 58 cases in extended nursing group, 40 patients (68.97%)were in good control and 18 cases (31.03%) in partial control. Out of 58 cases in regular nursing group, 22 cases (37.93%) were in good control and 36 patients (62.07%) in partial control. There were significant differences between two groups in the effect of disease (χ2=11.23, all P<0.01), the experimental group was significantly better than the control group. The symptoms and signs of allergic rhinitis average scores in regular nursing group were 1.88 ± 0.72, extended nursing group were 0.79 ± 0.71, the difference was statistically significant (t=8.080, P<0.01) with the extended nursing group much better that the regular nursing group. The symptoms and signs of asthma average scores in regular nursing group were1.83 ± 0.75, extended nursing group were 0.88 ± 0.67, the difference was also statistically significant (t=7.133, P<0.01) with the extended nursing group much better that the regular nursing group. In extended nursing groups within 1 year the numbers of acute attack (0.60±0.59), the times of oblivion medication (11.05±7.40), the average days of stay in hospital (8.83±2.79) days,the average days of failing to school or kindergarten (8.69±5.46) days, while in regular nursing group within 1 year the numbers of acute attack(2.94±1.52), the times of oblivion medication (35.28±8.84), the average days of stay in hospital(20.95±5.46 days), the average days of fail to school or kindergarten(24.72±5.92) days, the differences were also statistically significant (t=10.50-15.87, P<0.01). The lung function in extended nursing group (PEF: 82.02±6.04, FEVI: 88.19±5.10, FEV25: 80.67±4.88, FEV50: 80.07±3.73, FEV75: 81.52±3.85) and in regular nursing group (PEF: 79.02±6.12,, FEV1: 80.52±4.72, FEV25: 75.05±7.79, FEV50: 77.59±4.60, FEV75: 78.41±4.19) . The differences were also statistically significant (t=2.90-6.15, P<0.01).The FeNO(13.66±2.87) ppb in extended nursing group and (14.95±3.12) ppb in regular nursing group. There were statistical significant differences between the two groups (t=2.30, P<0.05) with extended nursing group much better than regular nursing group.@*Conclusion@#The effect of extended care group is better than that of regular nursing group, and extended care is much more benefit to control asthma and allergic rhinitis in children.

The pilot study of short-term correlation between air quality index and the outpatient allergic rhinitis cases in autumn and winter in Beijing / 中华老年医学杂志

Objectives To determine the short term relationship between the number of old allergic rhinitis(AR) patients and the air quality index(AQI) data in autumn and winter in Beijing.Methods Between October 2015 and December 2015,the AQI index data and the number of old outpatients with AR in Beijing Hospital were collected and the relation between them was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis.Results The AR patients aged over 60 were 1 892 cases (36.72％ of the total number of outpatients).The males were 953 (50.4％),The females were 939 (49.6％).The number of old outpatients with AT changed from 4/d to 39/d.When the AQI rised,the total number of old outpatients was increased;however,when the AQI rised to a certain extent,especially to the serious pollution value (＞300),the number of old outpatients was declined.Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a negative correlation between the amount of old AR patients and the AQI in the high incidence of air pollution seasons in Beijing (r=0.311,P＜0.01).Conclusions Air pollution is one of the most important reasons for the increased rate of AR patients in the elderly.