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Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children with atopic rhinitis: a 7‐year follow‐up
Author(s) -
Cibella F.,
Cuttitta G.,
La Grutta S.,
Hopps M. R.,
Passalacqua G.,
Pajno G. B.,
Bonsignore G.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00559.x
Subject(s) - medicine , atopy , bronchial hyperresponsiveness , asthma , methacholine , bronchus , population , pediatrics , allergy , immunoglobulin e , immunology , respiratory disease , lung , environmental health , antibody
Background: A high prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) was found in atopic subjects with rhinitis. Those subjects may be at higher risk for developing bronchial asthma. We evaluated, in a 7‐year follow‐up, BHR and atopy in a homogeneous population of nonasthmatic children with allergic rhinitis (AR), and their role in asthma development. Methods: Twenty‐eight children (6–15 years) with AR were studied. At enrollment (T 0 ), skin tests, total serum IgE assay, peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring and methacholine (Mch) bronchial challenge were performed. BHR was computed as the Mch dose causing a 20% forced expiratory volume (FEV) 1 fall (PD 20 FEV 1 ) and as dose–response slope (D RS ). Subjects were reassessed after 7 years (T 1 ) using the same criteria. Results: At T 0 , 13 children (46%), showing a PD 20 FEV 1 <1526 μ g of Mch, had BHR (Mch+), although PEF variability (PEFv) was within normal limits. None of the children with negative methacholine test developed bronchial asthma after 7 years. Of the 13 Mch+, only two reported asthma symptoms after 7 years. No significant change was seen in the other parameters of atopy considered. Conclusion: Children with allergic rhinitis present a high prevalence of BHR. Nevertheless, their PEFv is normal and the rate of asthma development low.