Comparison of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in asthmatics with and without allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Purpose of the study

The aim of this study was to measure the concentration of FeNO in asthmatics with and without allergic rhinitis (AR) and to determine usefulness of the test in the assessment of asthma control in the Polish population. The next objective of this study was to estimate the cut-off point of FeNO which might be a good indicator of uncontrolled asthma.

Materials and methods

The measurements were taken using the Hyp’Air FeNO in 303 adult patients with asthma, AR, comorbid AR and asthma, and non-diseased volunteers.

Results

FeNO level in healthy adults was similar to the FeNO concentration in AR as well as controlled asthmatic patients without and with AR. Patients with partly controlled and uncontrolled asthma with and without AR had higher FeNO (>60 ppb) levels when compared to adults with controlled disease. The optimal cut-off point of FeNO > 46 ppb and FeNO > 33 ppb was estimated for identification of uncontrolled asthmatics without and with AR, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found a significant correlation between the FeNO concentration and the level of asthma symptom control in asthmatic patients with and without AR.

Keywords:

• Allergic rhinitis
• asthma
• asthma control test
• inflammation
• nitric oxide

Disclosure statement

All authors declare no conflicts of interest and would like to thank the patients and healthy volunteers for their participation in this study. We are indebted to Marek Biesiadecki for his help in statistical analysis.