Asthma symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children with alllergic and nonallergic rhinitis

Introduction. Asthma frequently coexists with allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms. There are limited data about asthmatic symptoms in children
with nonallergic rhinitis (Non-AR).
Aim of the study. Estimate frequency of asthmatic symptoms and prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in children with ANN
and Non-ANN.

Material and methods. The study included children age 8–14 years, surveyed because of chronic non-infectious rhinitis symptoms (< 4
weeks, more than 4 days/week), without established asthma diagnosis and without asthma or allergic treatment. Polish version of ISAAC
questionnaire, exercise challenge test with tread mill were used. Relative decrease of FEV₁ (delta FEV₁) at least 10% indicated BHR. Atopy
was established by prick tests with 10 aeroallergens.

Results. The questionnaire survey: in children with AR (n = 63) and Non-AR (n = 49) wheeze ever has been observed in 36% and 55% (p =
= 0.076), respectively; and in the last year: wheeze in 21% and 41% (p = 0.034); asthma attacks (> 3 x/year) in 5% and 4% (p = 0.138); night
awaking in 9% and 17% (p = 0.342); post exercise wheeze in 16% and 14% (p = 0.973); night cough in 64% and 71% (p = 0.494). The exercise
challenge test: in children with AR and Non-AR, BHR were observed in 28% and 12% (p = 0.077), respectively. In these two groups of
children, medians (95% CI for median) for delta FEV1 were, respectively: 5.9 (4.8–8.0) and 4.1 (2.5–5.7) (p = 0.072).

Conclusions. Wheeze in the last year significantly more often occurred in children with Non-AR than with AR. However, frequency of BHR
and results of exercise challenge tests were comparable in both groups of children. ANN and Non-AR in children could be considered as the
risk factor of asthma.

Nursing Topics 2011; 19 (2): 233–238