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Data de publicació electrònica: 22-11-2022 Background: The self-reporting of asthma frequently leads to patient misidentification in epidemiological studies. Strategies combining the triangulation of data sources may help to improve the identification of people with asthma. We aimed to combine information from the self-reporting of asthma, medication use and symptoms to identify asthma patterns in the users of an mHealth app. Methods: We studied MASK-air® users who reported their daily asthma symptoms (assessed by a 0-100 visual analogue scale - "VAS Asthma") at least three times (either in three different months or in any period). K-means cluster analysis methods were applied to identify asthma patterns based on: (i) whether the user self-reported asthma; (ii) whether the user reported asthma medication use and (iii) VAS asthma. Clusters were compared by the number of medications used, VAS asthma levels and Control of Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Test (CARAT) levels. Findings: We assessed a total of 8,075 MASK-air® users. The main clustering approach resulted in the identification of seven groups. These groups were interpreted as probable: (i) severe/uncontrolled asthma despite treatment (11.9-16.1% of MASK-air® users); (ii) treated and partly-controlled asthma (6.3-9.7%); (iii) treated and controlled asthma (4.6-5.5%); (iv) untreated uncontrolled asthma (18.2-20.5%); (v) untreated partly-controlled asthma (10.1-10.7%); (vi) untreated controlled asthma (6.7-8.5%) and (vii) no evidence of asthma (33.0-40.2%). This classification was validated in a study of 192 patients enrolled by physicians. Interpretation: We identified seven profiles based on the probability of having asthma and on its level of control. mHealth tools are hypothesis-generating and complement classical epidemiological approaches in identifying patients with asthma.

Resume Introduction Les allergies touchent 25 % de la population generale avec une augmentation des allergies severes. Le developpement en France de structures de soins transversales en allergologie pour une prise en charge pluridisciplinaire des patients repond a un besoin de sante publique. Notre travail a pour but de faire un etat des lieux de ces structures. Methodes Enquete descriptive par questionnaire envoye aux chefs de services de structures de soins soit avec une activite principale en allergologie, soit avec une activite variee en allergologie. L’enquete portait sur l’organisation administrative, les equipes medicales et paramedicales, l’offre de soins et les moyens techniques des structures. Resultats Trente-sept structures ont pu etre analysees dont 27 avec une activite principale en allergologie et 10 avec une activite variee en allergologie. Pour les premieres, le nombre de medecins varie de 1 a 16 et les equivalents temps pleins infirmier de 0,8 a 5,9. Les nombres d’hospitalisations de jour et de consultations annuelles sont respectivement de 1049 (220 a 3275) et 3561 (609 a 13 674). Un tiers du recrutement des patients est hors departement. Toutes les structures avec une activite principale en allergologie realisent des explorations sur les allergies alimentaires, medicamenteuses et aux pneumallergenes mais seulement 81 % et 74 % assurent respectivement la prise en charge des allergies aux hymenopteres et des eczemas de contact. Conclusions Cette etude constitue un premier etat des lieux des structures hospitalieres transversales en allergologie en France afin de permettre de guider le developpement d’Unites transversales d’allergologie.

Riassunto La rinite cronica allergica e un problema di salute pubblica a causa della sua crescente prevalenza, della ridotta qualita della vita, delle comorbilita associate e dei costi elevati per la societa. E definita dalla concomitante associazione di rinite cronica e di un referto immunoallergologico che mostra un’infiammazione immunoglobuline E-dipendente, legata all’esposizione allergenica. Questa diagnosi richiede la valutazione dei sintomi clinici, una valutazione allergologica e una visita oto-rino-laringoiatrica sia per la diagnosi positiva che per la diagnosi differenziale. L’analisi del contesto epidemiologico e fisiopatologico e delle diverse classificazioni proposte in letteratura nonche della metodologia diagnostica permette di proporre una gestione terapeutica pragmatica e coerente per questo gruppo di riniti croniche, dove solo una su due e allergica al termine della valutazione.

Resumen La rinitis cronica alergica constituye un problema de salud publica debido a su prevalencia creciente, la alteracion de la calidad de vida, las enfermedades concurrentes asociadas y un coste elevado para la sociedad. Se define por la asociacion concomitante de una rinitis cronica y de una evidencia inmunoalergologica que muestra una inflamacion dependiente de inmunoglobulina E relacionada con una exposicion alergica. Este diagnostico requiere la evaluacion de la sintomatologia clinica, un estudio alergologico y una exploracion otorrinolaringologica tanto para el diagnostico positivo como para el diagnostico diferencial. El analisis del contexto epidemiologico y fisiopatologico, y de las diferentes clasificaciones propuestas en la literatura, asi como de la metodologia diagnostica permite proponer un tratamiento pragmatico y coherente para este grupo de rinitis cronicas de las que solo la mitad es alergica al final del estudio.

SETTING: Indoor volatile organic compound (VOC) levels, which are generally correlated with each other, may have an additive or synergistic effect on health. VOC synergy with allergens is a suspected mechanism affecting respiration.OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of exposure to interactions between VOCs and allergens on respiratory symptoms in individuals aged ≥15 years.DESIGN: A national cross‐sectional survey measured 20 VOCs and dog and cat aeroallergens in 490 main residential dwellings in France. A standardised questionnaire was used to elicit responses on respiratory conditions in 1012 inhabitants. Four VOC factor scores (linear combinations of VOCs) were generated using principal component analysis. In order to take into account the phenomenon of multi‐pollution, marginal models were used to model the relationships between exposure to VOC mixture and respiratory conditions. Stratified models were used to examine the interaction between allergens and VOCs.RESULTS: The aromatic hydrocarbon score was associated with rhinitis and wheezing, the aliphatic hydrocarbon score with asthma and cough, the halogenated hydrocarbons with asthma, wheezing and rhinitis. Aldehydes and Can f1 had a significant synergistic effect on wheezing and rhinitis. Aliphatic hydrocarbons had an antagonist effect with Can f1 on wheezing.CONCLUSION: Our data support evidence of adverse effects of exposure to VOC mixture on respiratory conditions; this effect is aggravated in the presence of pet allergens.

Metastatic pleural effusion is a cause of dyspnea. The American thoracic society has strongly suggested that studies evaluating thoracic ultrasonography as potentially predictive of improvment of dyspnea are needed.We conducted a prospective monocentric observational study to assess chest ultrasound predictors of response to thoracentesis. Fifteen patients with metastatic pleural effusion were included.The initial mean VAS score was5 ± 2,9 cm. The majority of patients had pleural effusions equal to or greater than 5 intercostal spaces (EIC) in height, while 7 patients had an abnormal curvature of the hemidiaphragm (flattened or inverted).The volume removed was greater in the group with anechoic pleurisy compared to the group with sonographic septation, notwithstanding complex pleural effusion (non-septated, relatively hyperechoic, with some spots in the effusion). The patients with complex pleural effusions had an higher score of dyspnea.The 7 patients with abnormal diaphragmatic curvature presented significant dyspnea with a pain score of approximately 7 and profuse pleurisy occupying 8 intercostal spaces in height. The effusions of those who could not normalize their curvature had a complex aspect and the volume removed was lower.The ultrasound characteristics of pleural effusions seem to be predictors of improvment of dyspnea after thoracentesis. The septated and complex aspects are probably predictors of non improvment of dyspnea.

International audience; Introduction (contexte de la recherche) :L’exposition répétée des patients asthmatiques aux allergènes intradomiciliaires contribue aux exacerbations de l’asthme. Plusieurs stratégies d’intervention sont proposées, parmi lesquelles, la visite domiciliaire de conseillers en environnement intérieur (CEI). Les CEI établissent un état des lieu au domicile du patient et proposent des mesures de remédiation afin d’améliorer les fonctions respiratoires. Plusieurs études monocentriques ont montré l’intérêt d’une telle démarche.ObjectifL’étude ECENVIR est un essai clinique, multicentrique, prospectif et randomisé qui vise à évaluer l’impact des CEI sur le niveau de contrôle de l’asthme.Méthodes :Au total, 104 patients ont été inclus dont 85 patients ont été suivis médicalement et randomisés dans 2 groupes : le Groupe Intervention (GI) a bénéficié d’une visite de CEI avec prélèvements pour mesures d’allergènes et conseils à l’inclusion et après 12 mois de suivi ; et le groupe témoin (GT) a bénéficié d’une même visite de contrôle uniquement à M12.Résultats :Le critère de jugement principal a été analysé chez 71/85 patients : 34 dans le GI et 37 dans le GT. A M12, une amélioration du contrôle de l’asthme était notée dans le GI avec une diminution du nombre d’asthme sévère et une augmentation d’asthme intermittent (p = 0,05) comparativement au GT (p = 0,24). En comparaison intergroupe, 50 % (17/34) des patients du GI ont montré une amélioration clinique comparativement au GT (p = 0,43). Bien que non statistiquement significative probablement dû à un manque de puissance, les patients du GI avaient 1,5 fois plus de chance de s’améliorer cliniquement en analyse multivariée (OR 1,47 CI95 % [0,57–3,75]. Les analyses secondaires montrent que : (i) dans la population des asthmes sévères, 12/16 patients (75 %) du GI se sont améliorés contre 7/16 du GT(44 %)(p = 0,06) ; (ii) la consommation des corticoïdes oraux et le taux d’hospitalisation sont significativement diminués dans le groupe ayant bénéficié de conseils (p = 0,029 et p = 0,042, respectivement).Conclusions :L’intervention des CEI est bénéfique cliniquement sur le niveau du contrôle de l’asthme et permet sur le plan économique une diminution de la consommation de soins, en cours d’investigation via les données d’Assurance maladie.

Background: Clinical heterogeneity in sensitizer-induced occupational asthma (OA) and its relationship to airway inflammatory profiles remain poorly elucidated. Objectives: To further characterize the interactions between induced sputum inflammatory patterns, asthma-related outcomes and the high- or low-molecular-weight category of causal agents in a large cohort of subjects with OA. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among 296 subjects with OA ascertained by a positive specific inhalation challenge who completed induced sputum assessment before and 24 hours after challenge exposure. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that sputum eosinophilia ≥3% was significantly associated with a high dose of inhaled corticosteroid (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.31 [1.11-1.55] for each 250-μg increment in daily dose), short-acting 2-agonist use less than once a day (3.54 [1.82-7.00]), and the level of baseline nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (mild: 2.48 [1.21-5.08]); moderate/severe: 3.40 [1.44-8.29]). Sputum neutrophilia ≥76% was associated with age (1.06 [1.01-1.11]), male gender (3.34 [1.29-9.99]), absence of corticosteroid use (5.47 [2.09-15.16]), short-acting 2-agonist use once or more a day (4.09 [1.71-10.01]), ≥2 severe exacerbations during the last 12 months at work (4.22 [1.14-14.99]), and isolated early reactions during the SIC (4.45 [1.85-11.59]). Conclusion: The findings indicate that sputum inflammatory patterns in subjects with OA are associated with distinct phenotypic characteristics and further highlight the differential effects of neutrophils and eosinophils on asthma-related outcomes. These associations between inflammatory patterns and clinical characteristics share broad similarities with what has been reported in nonoccupational asthma and are not related to the type of causal agent.

CONTEXTE : Bien que l’évaluation de l’inflammation bronchique, par expectoration induite, permette d’identifier différents phénotypes, chez les patients asthmatiques, il n’y a que peu d’informations sur le déterminant du pattern d’inflammation bronchique chez les patients présentant un asthme professionnel par sensibilisation. OBJECTIF : Déterminer si le pattern d’inflammation bronchique, déterminé par expectoration induite, permet de définir des phénotypes cliniques distincts. MÉTHODE : Cette étude multicentrique rétrospective a été réalisée auprès de 372 patients, présentant un asthme professionnel diagnostiqué par test d’exposition spécifique, qui étaient recrutés par le biais de la cohorte du groupe European network for Phenotypique of Ocupational Asthma. Chaque patient a bénéficié d’une expectoration induite avant et après test d’exposition spécifique. L’éosinophilie bronchique était définie par un pourcentage d’éosinophiles supérieur ou égal à 3 % dans l’expectoration induite, après test d’exposition spécifique, alors que la neutrophilie bronchique était définie par un pourcentage de neutrophiles supérieur ou égal à 76 %. RÉSULTATS : Au total, 268 (72 %) et 42 patients (11 %) présentaient respectivement une éosinophilie et une neutrophilie bronchique. Les analyses de régression logistique ont mis en évidence une association entre l’éosinophilie bronchique et l’exposition aux agents de haut poids moléculaire (odds ratio [OR], 1,89 ; IC 95 % 1,18–3,04), l’asthme persistant modéré (OR, 3,17 ; IC 95 %, 1,43–7,0) et l’asthme persistant sévère (OR, 2,39 ; IC 95 %, 1,06–5,43). La neutrophilie bronchique était associée à l’âge (OR pour chaque année supplémentaire, 1,04 ; IC 95 % 1,01–1,08), au genre masculin (OR, 2,83 : IC 95 %, 1,14–6,87), à l’asthme persistant léger (OR, 3,26 ; IC 95 %, 1,24–8,88), et à la dysphonie (OR, 2,83 ; IC95 %, 1,14–6,87). CONCLUSIONS : La majorité des patients avec un asthme professionnel par sensibilisation présentait une éosinophilie bronchique post-test d’exposition spécifique. L’éosinophilie et la neutrophilie, dans les expectorations induites, permettaient de définir des phénotypes cliniques différents, notamment en termes de sévérité et selon l’agent causal. [Phenotypes of occupational asthma defined with induced sputum after specific inhalation challenge] RATIONALE : Although the non-invasive assessment of airway inflammation through the induced sputum (IS) technique identified distinct asthma phenotypes, there is few information on the determinants of airway inflammatory pattern in sensitizer-induced occupational asthma (OA). AIM : To investigate whether the pattern of airway inflammation in IS is associated with distinct clinical phenotypes of OA. METHODS : This retrospective multicentric study was conducted among 372 patients with OA confirmed by a positive specific inhalation challenge (SIC) who were recruited in the European network for the Phenotyping of OCupational Asthma cohort (2006–2018). Each patient underwent an analysis of IS before and 24 hours after the SIC. Sputum eosinophilia and neutrophilia were defined by the presence of ≥ 3% eosinophils and ≥ 76% neutrophils in sputum samples collected after the SIC. RESULTS : In total, 268 (72%) and 42 patients (11%) exhibited sputum eosinophilia and neutrophilia, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that eosinophilia was associated with exposure to a high molecular weight agent (odds ratio [OR], 1.89; 95% CI, 1.18–3.04), moderate asthma (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1,43–7.0) and severe asthma (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.06–5.43). Sputum neutrophilia was associated with age (OR for each additional year, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.08), male gender (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1,21–6.8), mild asthma (OR, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.24–8.88), and dysphonia (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.14–6.87). CONCLUSIONS : Sputum eosinophilia post-SIC was predominant in OA patients. Sputum eosinophilia and neutrophilia were associated with distinct clinical phenotypes of OA, especially in terms of causal agents and asthma severity.

Resume Introduction Nous presentons une observation d’une association syndromique exceptionnelle de dystrophie rhino-bronchique d’allure congenitale associee a une anosmie congenitale et un deficit immun commun variable chez une enfant de douze ans. Resume du cas clinique Il s’agit d’une jeune fille nee en 2000, vue une premiere fois en 2012 pour des infections respiratoires a repetition, rebelles a tous les traitements, evoluant depuis la petite enfance avec une anosmie congenitale et une rhinite atrophique severe ainsi qu’un deficit immun commun variable. Le bilan biologique montre essentiellement un deficit en IgG4. L’imagerie met en evidence des dilatations des bronches (lingula), des diverticules tracheobronchiques multiples, une rhinite atrophique et une anosmie congenitale avec agenesie des bulbes et des sulcus olfactifs. Discussion Apres elimination des nombreux diagnostics differentiels, se pose le probleme de l’etiologie, des liens eventuels entre ces differents symptomes et du substratum genetique pour cette pathologie rhino-bronchique complexe d’allure congenitale associee a un deficit immun commun variable. S’agit-il d’une association fortuite de differents symptomes ou d’un syndrome congenital exceptionnel sans identification nosologique dans la litterature ? Conclusion Notre recherche bibliographique, tant pour la clinique que pour la genetique, ne nous a pas permis de proposer un diagnostic uniciste pour ces symptomes ou ce syndrome complexe.

Introduction We report a case of an exceptional syndromic association of apparently congenital rhinobronchial dystrophy associated with congenital anosmia and common variable immunodeficiency in a twelve-year-old girl. Case summary This young girl, born in 2000, consulted for the first time in 2012 for recurrent respiratory tract infections, refractory to all forms of treatment, starting in early childhood, associated with congenital anosmia and severe atrophic rhinitis as well as common variable immunodeficiency. The laboratory work-up essentially revealed IgG4 deficiency and imaging demonstrated bronchiectasis (lingula), multiple tracheobronchial diverticula, atrophic rhinitis and congenital anosmia with agenesis of the olfactory bulbs and sulci. Discussion After eliminating a number of differential diagnoses, we were left with the problem of the aetiology, the possible links between these various symptoms and the genetic basis for this apparently congenital complex rhinobronchial disease associated with common variable immunodeficiency. Do these various symptoms correspond to a chance association or an exceptional congenital syndrome that has not yet been identified in the literature? Conclusion A review of the clinical and genetic literature did not enable us to propose a single diagnosis for these symptoms or this complex syndrome.

Exposure to mould is a potential risk factor for asthma in both adults and children. In adult, the relation between exposure, sensitization and symptoms has been demonstrated in severe asthmatics sensitized to Alternaria. For children, exposure to mould in childhood is a risk factor for asthma in both atopic and non-atopic individuals. Exposure or sensitization to moulds are a risk factor for severe asthma and/or exacerbations in children. There appears to be a causal relationship between exposure and asthma. This link seems less significant in adults. However, in adults mould sensitive asthma seems to determine a phenotype of severe asthma associated with more marked obstructive lung disease. Moulds can stimulate either innate or the acquired immunity. They are responsible for a marked Th2 inflammation leading to more severe asthma. Besides the immunological mechanisms, toxic mechanisms can also intervene. It is therefore not correct to reduce the effect of moulds, particularly in respiratory symptoms, to only allergic mechanisms.

International audience; Background: Scant data are currently available about a potential link between comorbid chronic lung diseases (CLD) and the risk and severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.Methods: To describe the clinical characteristics of and outcomes for patients with COVID-19 infection, including patients with comorbid respiratory diseases, who have been primarily hospitalized in the pulmonology department of Strasbourg University Hospital, France. In this retrospective, single-center study, we included all confirmed cases of COVID-19 from March 3 to April 15, 2020. We then compared the symptoms, biological and radiological findings, and outcomes for patients with and without CLD.Results: Of the 124 patients that were enrolled, the median age was 62 years, and 75 patients (60%) were male. Overall, 40% of patients (n=50) had preexisting CLD, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n=15, 12%) and asthma (n=19, 15%). Twenty-eight patients were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), and six patients died in our unit. CLD were not predictive of ICU hospitalization, but a significantly higher total mortality was observed (17.6% vs. 5.5%, P

Introduction In ARTEMIS, 58% of AR101-treated subjects vs. 2% of placebo-treated subjects tolerated 1000 mg peanut protein as a single dose at exit double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC; P Methods All enrolled subjects had a clinical history of peanut allergy, demonstrated sensitization to peanut (skin prick test [SPT] mean wheal diameter ≥ 3 mm and/or peanut-specific immunoglobulin E [psIgE] ≥ 0.35 kUA/L), and reacted to ≤ 300 mg peanut protein at screening DBPCFC. SPT wheal diameter (mm), psIgE (kUA/L) and psIgG4 (mgA/L) assessments were performed at screening, end of dose escalation and study completion (following 3 months at 300 mg/day). Differences between treatment groups from screening to exit were analyzed using an ANCOVA model with terms fitted for group, country and screening value. Results A total of 175 ARTEMIS subjects (AR101 n = 132, placebo n = 43) were treated. SPT wheal diameter, psIgE levels, psIgG4 levels and psIgE/IgG4 ratio are summarized in Table 1 . From baseline to exit (AR101 vs. placebo), psIgG4 levels increased (P Conclusion Exposure to AR101 was associated with immunologic changes consistent with immunomodulation: increased psIgG4, decreased peanut SPT wheal size and transient changes in psIgE levels, as reported in previous peanut oral immunotherapy trials.

Allergen exposure chambers (AECs) can be used for controlled exposure to allergenic and non-allergenic airborne particles in an enclosed environment, in order to (i) characterize the pathological features of respiratory diseases and (ii) contribute to and accelerate the clinical development of pharmacological treatments and allergen immunotherapy for allergic disease of the respiratory tract (such as allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and allergic asthma). In the guidelines of the European Medicines Agency for the clinical development of products for allergen immunotherapy (AIT), the role of AECs in determining primary endpoints in dose-finding Phase II trials is emphasized. Although methodologically insulated from the variability of natural pollen exposure, chamber models remain confined to supporting secondary, rather than primary, endpoints in Phase III registration trials. The need for further validation in comparison with field exposure is clearly mandated. On this basis, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) initiated a Task Force in 2015 charged to gain a better understanding of how AECs can generate knowledge about respiratory allergies and can contribute to the clinical development of treatments. Researchers working with AECs worldwide were asked to provide technical information in eight sections: (i) dimensions and structure of the AEC, (ii) AEC staff, (iii) airflow, air processing, and operating conditions, (iv) particle dispersal, (v) pollen/particle counting, (vi) safety and non-contamination measures, (vii) procedures for symptom assessments, (viii) tested allergens/substances and validation procedures. On this basis, a minimal set of technical requirements for AECs applied to the field of allergology is proposed.

Allergic conjunctivitis affects 15 to 20% of the general population. It is currently evaluated by the Conjunctival Provocation Test (CPT), which is considered as the gold standard. In the investigation of allergic rhinitis and asthma, environmental exposure chambers (EEC) are increasingly utilised. For allergic conjunctivitis, EEC might be a valid alternative to the CPT. However, evaluation of the allergen response in individual provocation tests or in EECs is still in discussion due to the multiplicity of symptom scores. Indeed, there are many scores used to evaluate allergic conjunctivitis. The main criteria used were described by Abelson in 1990 and include redness, itching, tearing, and swelling. In clinical studies, the specifically ocular score most used is the Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS). Few treatments have been evaluated by EEC, including cold compresses, epinastine and N-acetyl aspartyl glutamic acid. Moreover, early data shows good correlation between ocular symptoms induced in an EEC and those assessed during natural exposure. EEC might be a valid alternative to CPT and correlate with natural seasonal allergen exposure. Finally, EEC might be useful in other fields as well, such as in the study of dry eye disease.

Resume A la suite de la reconnaissance de l’allergologie comme specialite, la FFAL a travaille avec le ministere des Solidarites et de la Sante dans le but d’elaborer une cartographie de l’offre de soins en allergologie en France. Un questionnaire electronique a ete diffuse par le biais des newsletters des differentes instances de l’allergologie francaise. Les resultats de ce questionnaire sont presentes et analyses dans cet article.

Allergic conjunctivitis affects 15 to 20% of the general population. It is currently evaluated by the Conjunctival Provocation Test (CPT), which is considered as the gold standard. In the investigation of allergic rhinitis and asthma, environmental exposure chambers (EEC) are increasingly utilised. For allergic conjunctivitis, EEC might be a valid alternative to the CPT. However, evaluation of the allergen response in individual provocation tests or in EECs is still in discussion due to the multiplicity of symptom scores. Indeed, there are many scores used to evaluate allergic conjunctivitis. The main criteria used were described by Abelson in 1990 and include redness, itching, tearing, and swelling. In clinical studies, the specifically ocular score most used is the Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS). Few treatments have been evaluated by EEC, including cold compresses, epinastine and N-acetyl aspartyl glutamic acid. Moreover, early data shows good correlation between ocular symptoms induced in an EEC and those assessed during natural exposure. EEC might be a valid alternative to CPT and correlate with natural seasonal allergen exposure. Finally, EEC might be useful in other fields as well, such as in the study of dry eye disease.

Rhinitis and asthma are common diseases that are strongly linked from both the epidemiological and patho-physiological point of view. A precise aetiological diagnosis is required in order to optimize treatment. Nasal provocation tests (NPT) determine precisely the role of the allergen in the initiation of the symptoms of rhinitis particularly when the history does not produce convincing evidence of the clinical relevance of an allergen. It may also have important consequences for the choice of an allergenic immunotherapy. NPT are not standardized but simple methods based on international recommendations provide us with good diagnostic accuracy. In this paper, we will discuss the practical aspects of NPT as well as the clinical or research situations where they may be useful for the respiratory physician.

There are 14 allergens with mandatory labeling of manufactured food. A recent European regulation on the provision of food information to consumers has made it compulsory for restaurants to have a written document informing consumers on allergens contained in the dishes they serve. To investigate restaurant staff’s knowledge about food allergies. A standardized telephone questionnaire was administered to one member of staff at 100 restaurants in Metz and Strasbourg, France. The survey was conducted from November 2016 to March 2017. Responders included 56 owners, 4 managers, 28 waiters and 12 chefs. Seventy-four percent reported food hygiene training; 14% reported specific food allergy training. Seventy-nine percent knew about the European regulation. In all, 32% reported to be very confident in in providing a safe meal to a food-allergic customer, 30% somewhat confident, 34% confident and 4% not confident. Answers to true-false questions indicated some frequent misunderstandings: 25% believed an individual experiencing a reaction should drink water to dilute the allergen; 22% thought consuming a small amount of an allergen is safe; 39% reported allergen removal from a finished meal would render it safe; 32% agreed cooking food prevents it causing allergy and 8% were unaware allergy could cause death. Despite the new regulation, currently eating out in restaurants does not put consumers with food allergies in the position of making safe food choices. Our findings also suggest the necessity for continuing to provide both food allergy and mandatory training and/or to incorporate such training into generic courses on food hygiene. Although the knowledge of the respondents was overall good in our study, certain gaps in this knowledge could be dangerous for consumers with allergies. We believe that the greater the number of trained staff in restaurants, the lower the risk of providing unsafe meals to clients.