Prevalence of Nasal Hyperreactivity in Chronic Upper Airway Inflammation

Prevalence of Nasal Hyperreactivity in Chronic Upper Airway Inflammation: a Prevalence Study

Rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal mucosa, can present with nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, itch or sneezing. If the sinusal mucosa is involved as well, it is called rhinosinusitis and facial pain or loss of smell is possible. Several causes are known, such as an underlying allergy ("allergic rhinitis", AR). If at least 2 symptoms are present for at least 12 weeks, it is called "chronic rhinosinusitis" (CRS).

Up to 2/3 of the AR and CRS patients have symptoms upon exposure to triggers such as sudden temperature changes, smoke, fragrances… a phenomenon called "nasal hyperreactivity" (NHR). It is currently not clear why some patients suffer NHR while others do not.

In this study, the investigators want to determine the prevalence and severity of nasal hyperreactivity in patients with chronic upper airway inflammation. To this end, patients and healthy controls will be asked to fill out a questionnaire inquiring presence and severity of nasal symptoms upon exposure to particular environmental triggers.

PATIENTS

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18-65 y
• Nasal inflammatory symptoms for 12 weeks or longer (nasal obstruction, post-nasal drip, rhinorrhea, loss of smell, sneezing/itch, facial pain)
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

- Current or medical history of malignancy in the last ten years

CONTROLS

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18-65 y
• No nasal inflammatory symptoms for 12 weeks or longer (nasal obstruction, post-nasal drip, rhinorrhea, loss of smell, sneezing/itch, facial pain)
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

- Current or medical history of malignancy in the last ten years