Prevalence of atopy and allergic rhinitis in patients with adult non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Abstract

Background/aim: Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (non-CF BR) is common in developing countries. Limited data are availableregarding the impact of atopy, and no data are available regarding allergic rhinitis in patients with adult bronchiectasis. The aim of thisstudy was to evaluate the prevalence of atopy and allergic rhinitis in the clinical conditions of patients with BR.Materials and methods: The study enrolled 101 patients who were diagnosed with non-CF BR using high-resolution computed chesttomography. Allergic rhinitis (AR) was defined by skin prick test (SPT) positivity and the presence of any nasal symptoms (watery runnynose, nasal obstruction, nasal itching, and sneezing).Results: The mean age of patients was 48 ± 15 years (range 18–82); 55 (54.5%) patients were female. SPT positivity was detected in 37(36.6%) cases. AR was detected in 32 (31.7%) patients with non-CF BR. AR was related to dyspnea (P = 0.04) and number of admissionsto an emergency department in the previous year (P = 0.01). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity in patients withand without AR were different (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). AR was correlated with number of admissions to an emergencydepartment in the last year (r = 0.417, P = 0.005).Conclusion: We concluded that atopy was detected in more than one-third of adult non-CF BR patients. This study demonstrated thatnon-CF BR patients might have AR; it might be important to be aware of nasal symptoms in non-CF BR patients.