Original paper
Nasal nitric oxide measurements in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis of different age groups

Introduction: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a common, still increasing phenomenon affecting patients of all age groups. Nasal nitric oxide measurement seems to be a useful method in diagnosis and monitoring of SAR.
Aim: To evaluate the value of fraction of exhaled nasal nitric oxide (FENO) measurements in SAR patients of different age groups during and after the pollen season.
Material and methods: The study group consisted of 480 SAR patients with mean age 39.34 ±11.24 (range 18–75) years. The diagnosis of SAR was based on clinical history, positive skin prick tests and serum specific IgE concentration. FENO measurements were obtained with a chemiluminescence analyser during and after the pollen season. Results achieved for the study group were compared to a control group consisting of 310 healthy volunteers with mean age 37.2 ±8.21 (range 18–75) years.
Results: In young patients allergy to grass and birch was found to be most prevalent, whereas in patients above 50 years old mostly allergy to grass and mugwort was observed. In the study group in all age categories mean FENO level during the pollen season was higher than in controls and comparable after the season. Maximum values of FENO were obtained just after the peak period of SAR symptoms. In the pollen season, mean FENO levels were comparable in patients with SAR, as follows: in patients aged 18–35 y.o. 60 ±9.21 ppb, in patients 35–50 y.o. 57.23 ±10.09 ppb, and in patients 50–75 y.o. 56.03 ±13.11 ppb.
Conclusions: Fraction of exhaled nasal nitric oxide measurement is a useful method of SAR assessment in patients of all age groups. Increasing incidence of SAR in the elderly group is noticed.