20% of children with allergic rhinitis have previously undiagnosed bronchial obstruction

A relationship exists between upper and lower airways. Bronchial obstruction is a paramount feature of asthma and its reversibility is diagnostic of asthma.

200 children with allergic rhinitis and 150 normal subjects were evaluated with skin prick test, spirometry, and bronchodilation test.

"Rhinitics" showed a significant FEV1 increase after bronchodilation test. More than 20% of rhinitics had reversibility (greather than 12% above baseline levels).

Patients with reversibility had lower FEV1 levels, longer rhinitis duration, and perennial allergy.

This study highlights the close link between upper and lower airways and the relevance of performing bronchodilation test in patients with allergic rhinitis.

References:
Impact of allergic rhinitis on asthma in children: effects on bronchodilation test. M. Capasso, A. Varricchio, G. Ciprandi. Allergy, 2009.
Image source: Flow-Volume loop showing successful FVC maneuver. Wikipedia, GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2.



Treatment Options for Allergic Rhinitis (click to enlarge the image).

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Forced expiratory flow between 25-75% of vital capacity may be a marker of bronchial impairment in allergic rhinitis http://goo.gl/yTNW2