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Chronic Rhinitis (chronic + rhinitis)
Selected AbstractsImpact of allergic rhinitis on asthma: effects on bronchial hyperreactivityALLERGY, Issue 3 2009I. Cirillo Background:, Remarkable relationship exists between upper and lower airways. Bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) is a paramount feature of asthma and may be considered a strong risk factor for the onset of asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis. Objective:, This study is aimed at evaluating the presence of BHR in a large group of patients with moderate-severe persistent allergic rhinitis alone, and at investigating possible risk factors related to severe BHR. Methods:, Three hundred and forty-two patients with moderate-severe persistent allergic rhinitis were prospectively and consecutively evaluated. Clinical examination, skin prick test, spirometry and bronchial methacholine (MCH) test were performed in all patients. Results:, Twenty-two (6.4%) patients had severe BHR, 74 (21.6%) patients had mild BHR and 192 (56.2%) had borderline BHR; 54 (15.8%) patients had a negative MCH test. The logistic regression analysis evidenced that trees and house dust mites sensitization (ORAdj: 8.1), rhinitis duration > 5 years (ORAdj: 5.4) and FEV1 , 86% of predicted (ORAdj: 4.0) were significantly associated with severe BHR. The discriminative ability of this model is appreciably satisfactory, being the AUC = 0.90. Conclusion:, This study highlights the close link between upper and lower airways and the role of some risk factors, such as tree and mite sensitization, > 5-year duration, and , 86% FEV1 values, as risk factors for severe BHR in patients with moderate-severe persistent allergic rhinitis alone. Therefore, BHR is frequently present in patients with chronic rhinitis and should be suspected in the presence of defined risk factors. [source] Is wheezing associated with decreased sleep quality in Sri Lankan children?PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 7 2007A questionnaire study Abstract Aim To investigate the association between wheezing and impaired sleep in Sri Lankan children, aged 6,12 years; and, to report the prevalence of asthma-related symptoms in these subjects. Methods The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and a separate sleep questionnaire were completed. Results Of 800 originally distributed questionnaires, 652 were analyzed. Wheezing was present in 89 children (14%). Within this group, 66% reported wheezing in the last 12 months. Wheezing children had a significantly higher presence of snoring, restless sleep, nocturnal awakenings and daytime tiredness. Wheezing was found to be independently associated with restless sleep (odds ratio (OR),=,2.4). There was no association between wheezing and difficulties falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings, apneas, and daytime sleepiness and tiredness. After adjusting for possible confounders, the following significant associations were present: snoring and apneas (OR,=,1.6), chronic rhinitis and apneas (OR,=,1.6), snoring and restless sleep (OR,=,3.2), chronic rhinitis and restless sleep (OR,=,2.1), and hayfever and daytime tiredness (OR,=,4.3). Wheezing was related to an increased risk of snoring (OR,=,2.8) and subjects with chronic rhinitis had also an increased risk of snoring (OR,=,1.7), adjusting for possible confounders. Conclusion The sleep of wheezing children was impaired compared with their non-wheezing peers, resulting in an increased prevalence of daytime tiredness. Upper airway symptoms, such as chronic rhinitis or hayfever, should be carefully considered in these children, as they might be responsible for these sleep problems. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:579,583. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Occupational obstructive airway diseases caused by the natural gas odorant tetrahydrothiophene,two case reports,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 12 2009X. Baur MD Abstract Background Tetrahydrothiophene (THT) is frequently used to odorize natural (city) gas. Only sparse data on adverse health effects of THT on humans are available. Methods We performed a literature search and clinical investigations including case history and cardiopulmonary diagnostic tests in two symptomatic THT-exposed outpatients. Results The two THT-exposed city workers developed transient neurologic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, as well as skin and mucosa irritation, chronic rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arterial hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmia. The neurological symptoms and respiratory disorders were found to be caused by intermittently high THT exposures. In favor of a causal relationship were severe work-related neurological and respiratory symptoms in previously healthy workers, results of animal experiments, and another report with very similar findings in the literature. The etiology of arterial hypertension and cardiac arrhythmia, however, remains unclear. Conclusions Our two case reports demonstrate that repeated high THT-exposures can,in addition to neurotoxic symptoms,elicit chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We recommend improved primary and secondary preventive measures, including the establishment of a TLV. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:982,986, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Down syndrome: Common otolaryngologic manifestations,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS, Issue 3 2006Sally R. Shott Abstract Otolaryngologic or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems are common in children with Down Syndrome (DS). This includes problems with chronic ear infections and chronic middle ear effusions with associated hearing loss, airway obstruction, and sleep apnea, as well as problems with chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. In addition, many of these ENT problems require surgical interventions, and there are special anesthesia considerations that need to be addressed in children with DS. These include subglottic stenosis, post-operative airway obstruction, and cervical spine concerns. As the care of children with DS has become more consistent and proactive, outcomes from the treatment of these ENT manifestations have improved. Aggressive interventions, both medical and surgical, have led to a decreased incidence of hearing loss, good control of the chronic rhinitis, and a better awareness of the incidence of sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing in individuals with DS. These common otolaryngologic manifestations of DS are reviewed with recommendations for ongoing care and monitoring. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The role of atopy in Maltese patients with chronic rhinitisCLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY, Issue 3 2004A.M. Agius The global prevalence of allergic rhinitis has been on the increase and recent clinical experience in Malta has shown a similar trend. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of atopy in 415 patients presenting with rhinitis of at least 3 months duration, and to identify the common allergens responsible. Presenting clinical features, past and family history of seasonal allergic symptoms, exposure to cigarette smoking, pet ownership and occupation were analysed. All patients were skin tested for common allergens. Fifty-five per cent of patients were atopic, the main allergens responsible being house dust mite, cat dander and grass pollen. Rhinorrhoea and sneezing were significantly more common in atopic patients, who were more likely to have a past history and family history of seasonal asthma, eczema or rhinoconjunctivitis. Skin test-negative patients with idiopathic rhinitis were mostly females and tended to present a decade later. Differentiation between atopic and idiopathic chronic rhinitis may be helpful in the clinical setting in order to help predict response to treatment. [source] | ||||||||||