Perennial Atopic Rhinitis as an Early Stage of Bronchial Asthma

Abstract

Etiologic factors and incidence of bronchial hyperreactivity as a 'stigma' of bronchial asthma were studied in 237 patients suffering from perennial atopic rhinitis. All patients underwent detailed laryngologic and allergologic examination and pulmonary function tests at rest, after exercise, and after histamine inhalation. Most often the patients were sensitized to house dust, animal epidermis and fur, environmental dusts, poultry dander or fungal allergens. Bronchial hyperreactivity, typical of bronchial asthma, was observed in 48.52% of patients. Results were analysed statistically. It was concluded that early institution of causal therapy can cure the symptoms of rhinitis and prevent evolution of the disease into atopic bronchial asthma in patients already suffering from bronchial hyperreactivity.