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IntroductionDietary fiber is a key component of a healthy diet, associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, chronic inflammation, or depression. The aim of the study was to perform an in-depth analysis of dietary fiber intake in the Polish population, taking account of the consumption of groups of products that are fiber sources and identify any age-related differences in the dietary fiber intake of the subjects.MethodsWe analyzed data obtained from two representative cross-sectional studies on the diet and nutritional status of adult Polish residents including the total of 4,000 individuals aged 19 years and more. Two 24-h recalls were used per individual to assess the diet using the computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) technique. Total fiber content and fiber contained in cereal products, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds were calculated. Fiber intake was compared to the recommendations: 25 g/d for adults up to 65 years of age and 20 g/d for those aged 66 years and older. All statistical analyses, including the Pearson’s chi-squared test, the Student’s t-test, and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), were conducted using STATISTICA™ version 13.3, with the results being adjusted for demographic distribution biases to enhance the representativeness.ResultsThe average daily fiber intake was 17.83 ± 0.14 g/day (78% of the recommended intake), with 20.5% of respondents meeting the requirement. More men than women (27.05% vs. 14.3%;) met the requirement and men were characterized by a higher average intake (19.34 ± 0.20 g/day) than women (16.43 ± 0.19 g/day). The main fiber sources were cereals (44.1%), vegetables (23.6%), and fruits (16.0%). As regards men, the sources included refined bread (25.8%), vegetables (23.1%), and fruits (10.2%) and for women, they were vegetables (24.0%), fruits (17.2%), and refined bread (16.3%). Although refined bread is not recommended as a primary fiber source due to its lower fiber content compared to whole grain bread, its high consumption significantly contributed to the total fiber intake.ConclusionThe prevalence of widespread dietary fiber deficiency calls for the intensification of educational efforts that address the health advantages and sources of dietary fiber, as well as methods for its inclusion in daily meals.

Abstract Introduction Allergy to chicken egg protein is a common form of food allergy. The most common clinical presentation includes gastrointestinal, skin, and respiratory symptoms. Differential diagnosis, including provocative tests, is critical in diagnosis. Case description We present a case of a 21-year-old patient with egg allergy, who underwent a double-blind food provocation test with placebo (evaluating subjective complaints from the gastrointestinal tract) and a titrated nasal provocation test using dry chicken egg content. We assessed the response of the nasal mucosa in the provocation test using the visual analogue scale (VAS), acoustic and optical rhinometry, as well as measurements of nitric oxide concentration in the exhaled air. During the provocation test, we measured the changes in the transverse section of the nasal passages, which were accompanied by subjective complaints measured with the VAS scale, using objective techniques. In the nasal provocation test with a dose of 20 µg of chicken egg protein, we observed an increase in the reactivity of the nasal mucosa and a decrease in the level of nitric oxide in the exhaled air from the upper airways (920 ppb before the provocation test and up to 867 ppb during the early stage of the allergic reaction). During the provocation tests, we recorded typical symptoms associated with the early stage of the allergic reaction; including nasal obstruction (1.2 cm), leakage of watery discharge (0.8 cm) in the food test, and itchy nose (1.1 cm) in the food test vs. the nasal test: 4.6, 2.8, and 3.5 cm, respectively. Conclusions The nasal mucosa provides convenient conditions for evaluation of the severity of allergy to common food allergens, including chicken egg allergens.

Objectives Vaccination skepticism and vaccination refusal both constitute global public health concerns. Systematic monitoring of public attitudes towards vaccination is crucial for maintaining a high vaccination coverage rate. The study aimed to identify and characterize homogenous social groups distinguished by attitudes toward preventive vaccinations. Material and Methods Between October and November of 2021, a nationwide representative cross-sectional survey was conducted on a representative sample of 1560 inhabitants of Poland aged 15–39 years. The study questionnaire included 60 questions on public attitudes towards vaccines, vaccination, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Factor analysis was applied to identify the main dimensions of vaccination attitudes. Results Factor analysis included 22 variables and yielded 3 factors or dimensions that accounted for 48.5% of the model’s variability. Young adults were assigned into 6 homogeneous groups based on these factors: 1) general trust in vaccination, 2) vaccine safety concerns, 3) trust in fake medical news regarding COVID-19 vaccination, and denying the COVID-19 pandemic. Groups I–IV differed by sociodemographic factors and vaccination coverage rates. Nearly 60% of the respondents expressed concern regarding various aspects of vaccination. Conclusions Most of Poland’s young adults lack clearly defined attitudes towards vaccination. Attitudes towards vaccination can be divided into 6 heterogeneous groups. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(2):214–28

Abstract Background Allergies, including food allergies, are a considerable clinical and public-health problem. The introduced preventive measures and differential diagnostics, including oral food challenges, are the gold standard for determining further treatment planning. Case presentation We present a case of an 18-year-old girl with a cow’s milk allergy who underwent an oral food challenge (double blind oral food challenge). Such a challenge may be confounded by inducing a response from other systems and organs, which provides theoretical grounds for the use of other methods of assessing the body’s response to food allergens (response demonstrated by the upper respiratory tract). Based on this idea, in order to assess the degree of mucosal response, we used optical rhinometry as an objective method for nasal patency evaluation, as well as identification of tryptase level in nasal lavage fluid and exfoliative cytology of nasal mucosa. The results of these tests confirmed positive reaction of the nasal mucosa in the course of the oral allergen challenge. Conclusions The observed increase in the nasal mucosal reactivity that accompanies oral food challenges may suggest a potential for using food allergens in nasal allergen provocation testing in order to diagnose food allergies.

Abstract Background Lymphocytic esophagitis is a newly recognized entity of unknown origin. Dysphagia is defined as difficulty swallowing and represents a common symptom in the general population with a prevalence of approximately 20%. Chronic inflammation of the esophageal wall may manifest itself clinically and endoscopically, mimicking inflammation of another origin. However, little is known about the pathogenesis of the disease, as patients are seldom suspected and rarely diagnosed with lymphocytic esophagitis. Case presentation Here, we present a rare case of lymphocytic esophagitis in a patient with multiple allergies and suspected eosinophilic esophagitis. A 28-year-old woman with polyvalent sensitization to food and inhalant allergens presented with intermittent dysphagia, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, itchiness of the oral cavity after ingesting certain foods, heartburn, and prolonged chewing time. A skin prick test showed positive results for birch-tree, alder, hazel, and rye pollen, as well as house dust mites. Apart from obesity (BMI 30 kg/m2), multiple pustules and excoriations on the skin, her physical examination was insignificant. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed revealing full-length but discrete trachealization of the esophagus. A barium swallow test showed slowing of esophageal peristalsis in the recumbent position. No esophageal pathology was observed. A histopathological analysis of mucosal samples revealed slight hyperplasia of the basal layer of the esophagus, and the stomach showed changes typical of chronic gastritis. Conclusions In summary, this clinical case illustrates that lymphocytic esophagitis, as a newly recognized entity, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic dysphagia. Additionally, when treating allergic patients, clinicians should be aware that lymphocytic esophagitis, distinct from eosinophilic esophagitis, should be considered in the diagnosis of patients with atopy and upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Abstract Background This paper presents a peculiar first case of an allergy to Silybum marianum (milk thistle) and Eragrostis tef (teff). Both teff and milk thistle have been presented in the literature (both domestic and foreign) in a positive light, the former as a new part of gluten-free diet, and the latter as a treatment for a number of conditions, particularly those of the liver. Case presentation A 29-year-old male presented at our clinic due to an episode of itching and burning in his mouth, swollen tongue, and difficulty swallowing following ingestion of teff flakes. He also reported sneezing, runny nose, watering and burning eyes, and wheezing following inhalation exposure to ground milk thistle. The patient’s occupation is associated with exposure to these allergens. The patient underwent comprehensive allergy diagnostic assessments (including skin-prick testing, serum specific IgE levels, Faber test, spirometry, and acoustic rhinometry) and gastroenterological assessments. The diagnosis was established on skin tests with native allergens (milk thistle 16/35, teff flour 22/60, negative control 0/0, histamine 3/5) provided by the patient. There are no commercially available (standardized) tests for milk thistle or teff either in Poland or anywhere else in the world. Conclusions Milk thistle is available in the form of dry, finely-ground preparations (which are used as additives to bread, soups, and yoghurts) and extracts (which are used as ingredients in over-the-counter herbal remedies). Teff is a gluten-free cereal whose grains are rich in methionine, calcium, iron, folic acid, and antioxidants. This case report presents milk thistle and teff as potentially new allergens. A literature review revealed no similar allergy cases in Poland or elsewhere in the world.

Abstract Background Links between multimorbidity of allergic diseases and allergen sensitization are still under debate, especially in adults. This study aimed to establish a relationship between polysensitization and allergic multimorbidity in children and adults and the allergens involved in multimorbidity. Material and method A cross-sectional multicentre study enrolled children aged 6–7 and 13–14 years and adults aged 20–44 years from a Polish national cohort. The diagnosis of allergic diseases was made by a physician. Skin prick tests to 13 allergens and serum IgE levels to 4 allergens were tested. Results Among the 3856 participants, single disease (asthma, allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis) was diagnosed in 27.7% subjects and allergic multimorbidity in 9.3%. Allergic multimorbidity occurred more commonly in children than in adults (p

We aimed to assess attitudes towards the influenza vaccine and factors associated with a willingness to vaccinate against seasonal influenza in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic (flu season 2020/2021). This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out between 5 and 15 November 2020 on a representative nationwide sample of 1052 individuals aged 18+ in Poland. Of the respondents, 5.5% (95% CI: 4.3–7.0%) declared that they had already got vaccinated against influenza and 13.4% (95% CI: 11.4–15.6%) declared a willingness to vaccinate against influenza during the 2020/2021 season. Out of nine different factors analyzed in this study, only three were significantly associated with attitudes towards influenza vaccination. Participants aged 75 years and over (OR = 5.82; 95% CI: 2.63–12.85), as well as participants aged 60–74 years (OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.30–4.54), compared to those aged 19–29, had significantly higher odds of having a positive attitude towards seasonal influenza vaccination. Respondents who define themselves as completely religious unbelievers (OR = 4.34; 95% CI: 1.79–10.55), as well as Internet users (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.30–3.47), had higher odds of having a positive attitude towards influenza vaccination. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of adults in Poland who already got vaccinated or declared a willingness to vaccinate against influenza remains low. This also applies to high-risk groups.

We aimed to assess the factors associated with a lack of willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 among adults in Poland three months after the introduction of mass vaccination against COVID-19 in Poland. This cross-sectional study was carried out between 8 and 18 April 2021 on a representative nationwide sample of 1131 inhabitants of Poland aged 18 and over. Almost one-third of adult inhabitants of Poland (30%; 95%CI: 27.4–32.7%) declared a lack of willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19. Females had higher odds of refusing COVID-19 vaccination compared with males (OR = 1.68; 95%CI: 1.25–2.27). The lack of higher education was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with greater odds of refusing the COVID-19 vaccination. Participants living in rural areas compared with those living in the largest cities (over 500,000 inhabitants) had three times higher odds of refusing the COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 3.20; 95%CI: 1.71–6.01). Respondents who declared willingness to vote for one of the right-wing political parties publicly supporting the anti-vaccination movement in Poland had eight times higher odds (OR = 8.01; 95%CI: 3.65–17.60) of refusing the COVID-19 vaccination compared with other groups. Moreover, those who had three children or more, respondents who declared passivity towards participating in religious practices as well as active internet users had significantly higher odds of refusing the COVID-19 vaccination.

In December 2020, the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine was authorized in the European Union. This study aimed to assess the changes in attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine and the willingness to get vaccinated among adults in Poland between January and April 2021. Secondary data analysis was carried out using data obtained from nationally representative cross-sectional surveys (four consecutive waves: January 2021, n = 1150; February 2021, n = 1179; March 2021, n = 1154; April 2021, n = 1131) carried out by the Public Opinion Research Center. About 31.3% of individuals declared a lack of willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 regardless of the study wave. Significant changes (p < 0.001) were observed by gender and age. The highest percentage of respondents who declared a lack of willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 was observed in the youngest age group (18–34 years), 48.5% among males and 45.6% among females. Among individuals over 65 years of age, males significantly more often declared their willingness to be vaccinated than females (p < 0.001). The main argument against the COVID-19 vaccine was concern about the potential side effects. Differences in attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine in respect of gender and age indicate the need to implement personalized communications to encourage different social groups to vaccinate against COVID-19.

Objective : The objective of this study was to determine the length of delay in diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, and to indicate the main factors responsible for such delays. Material and methods : A retrospective multi-centre questionnaire survey carried out among 197 patients with diagnosed inflammatory rheumatic diseases or undergoing the diagnostic process. Results : The most common early symptoms of inflammatory rheumatic disease included joint pain (94%), joint swelling (78%), morning joint stiffness (77%), fatigue (76%), and sleep disturbed by joint pain (74%). When asked about the reasons for seeking medical help, most patients indicated intensification of the symptoms (89%) and the fact that the symptoms made them unable to perform daily activities or work (86%). Limited access to specialists (70%) and the conviction that the symptoms will resolve spontaneously (57%) had the biggest impact on delaying a visit to a doctor. Before visiting a rheumatologist, the patients consulted their symptoms with their general practitioners (GPs, 95%), orthopaedicians (43%), and neurologists (29%). Almost half of the patients (48%) consulted their symptoms with at least 2 non-rheumatologists, whereas as many as 21% of patients visited 4 or more specialists. After the onset of symptoms of rheumatic disease, 28% of patients delayed seeing any doctor for 4 months or longer. 36% of patients waited 4 months or longer for a referral to a rheumatologist. The great majority of the patients (85%) made an appointment with a rheumatologist within a month of receiving a referral. 25% of patients waited 4 months or longer to see a rheumatologist. Conclusions : Diagnostic delays result from both the level of patients’ awareness (ignoring early symptoms) and improper functioning of the health care system. In the case of the health care system, the source of delays is not only “queues to rheumatologists”, but also referring patients to non-rheumatologists.

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the reference values for nasal inspiratory flow in the study population in Poland as part of the project on Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP). Material and Methods The study subjects were a group of 4,137 people: 1,136 children aged 6–7 years (561 girls and 575 boys), 1,123 adolescents aged 13–14 years (546 girls, 577 boys) and 1,878 adults (1,145 women, 733 men), residing in seven large Polish cities. The method used in the study was the measurement of the peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) using a special mask for rhinomanometry tests, with a measurement scale of 20–350 L/min. Measurements were conducted twice: once before and once after nasal mucosa vasoconstriction with a 0.1% xylometazoline (Xylometazolinum) solution. Results Nasal patency rates increased with age in healthy subjects (children aged 6–7 years: 75.95 L/min; teenagers aged 13–14 years: 91.44 L/min and adults: 97.13 L/min (P

Social consequences of a disease constitute limitations in performing roles relating to working life as well as family and social life caused by the disease, mainly chronic. The aim of the study was to analyze the social consequences of rheumatic diseases in the aspect of disability pensions with respect to incapacity for work and quality of life. The occurrence of rheumatic diseases is related not only to increased risk of different types of organic changes, but above all disability. In Europe almost 50% of persons suffering from diseases of the musculoskeletal system who are currently unemployed were breadwinners. Nearly 60% of them received legal disability status. The loss of work ability is, among other things, the consequence of progressive disability. In Europe 40% of persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had to stop working due to the disease. Most of the persons diagnosed with RA were of working age. It results in the decrease in the quality of life as well as economic difficulties (decreased incomes and increased disease-related costs). In Poland the results of the analysis of the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) of first-time disability recognition issued for the purpose of disability pensions in 2014 showed that the incapacity for work was caused by diseases relating to general health condition (65.5%). Diseases of the musculoskeletal system were the cause of partial inability to work of 21.6% of persons who received a disability pension for the first time (as many as 5,349 certificates were issued). Early diagnosis and implementation of effective treatment are the necessary conditions for a patient to sustain activity, both professional and social, which is of crucial importance to reduce the negative effects of the disease.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the current state of nutrition of patients with rheumatic diseases in the Polish population. Material and methods : An anonymous questionnaire study was carried out among the patients of the Institute of Rheumatology in Warsaw in the fourth quarter of 2012. Five hundred questionnaires were distributed, and 397 questionnaires were collected and accepted for further analysis (response rate = 79%). Results: Overweight or obesity was present in more than half (53%) of the patients (overweight in 30.5% of respondents, obesity in 22.6%). Among obese subjects, 43% of men and 37% of women in the study think that their diet is correct. Sixty-eight percent of respondents declared that they do not follow any special diet and only 18% declared that they follow a diet with a reduced quantity of monosaccharides (no sweets). A milk-free diet was followed by 7% of respondents, a meat-free diet by 6%, and a fruit-and-vegetable diet by 5%. Dietary supplements were regularly used by 26.7% of respondents, whereas 33.8% did not use them at all. The average assessment of physical aptitude (Health Assessment Questionnaire – HAQ) in the group of respondents was 0.71. No statistically significant differences were found between higher level of disability (e.g. HAQ ≥ 1) and the type of diet followed (p = 0.678) or body mass index (BMI) value (p = 0.864) in relation to persons with the value of HAQ < 1. Conclusions : More than half of patients suffering from rheumatic diseases are overweight or obese, which corresponds to the body weight profile of the population of Poland. Most patients diagnosed with rheumatic diseases do not follow any special diet. In spite of the frequent use of dietary supplements, the patients do not consult a doctor or a dietician about it. The type of diet and BMI value do not differ according to the level of disability.

The T allele of rs7927894 (at 11q13.5) was associated with atopic dermatitis and other allergic diseases. Our purpose was to replicate the association with allergic phenotypes and explore the role of rs7927894 in predisposing to persistent allergic rhinitis and atopic asthma. We also wanted to explore if other SNPs at 11q13.5 contributed to effect of rs7927894. We studied patients with atopic dermatitis (N = 270), atopic asthma (N = 486), persistent allergic rhinitis (N = 589) and controls matched for age, sex and region (N = 540, N = 372 and N = 1178, respectively). We found that rs7927894 T was associated with atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.39, CI: 1.12-1.73, P = 0.003) and independently with persistent allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.24, CI:1.07-1.43, P = 0.0043, Pcorrected = 0.013) but not atopic asthma. Analysis of additional tagging SNPs (rs7930763, rs2513517, rs7125552) showed that effect of rs7927894 T was limited to haplotypes encoding G at rs7125552. In conclusion, rs7927894 T is associated not only with atopic dermatitis but also persistent allergic rhinitis. Since these effects are haplotype dependent rs7927894 alone does not account for the association between 11q13.5 and atopic dermatitis/persistent allergic rhinitis.

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported that one of the authors’ name was spelled incorrectly.

Background and Aims: There is no prior research on the usefulness that popular nutrition-related mobile applications would have in assessing fatty acids intake. In this study, we examine these applications through their utilization in the assessment of consumption of saturated (SFAs) and polyunsaturated (PUFAs) fatty acids against the Polish reference method (RM, Dieta 6.0). This report does also include the information about monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol intake.Methods and Results: SFAs and PUFAs intake was assessed using two-day dietary recalls obtained from 120 individuals by 3 selected mobile applications (App1 = Yazio, App2 = MyFitnessPal, App3 = Fitatu) and compared with RM. Despite strong (SFAs by App1 and App3) and moderate (SFAs by App2 and PUFAs by App1, App2, App3) correlations with RM, Bland-Altman analyses showed relevant biases and wide range between limits of agreement. Considering SFAs and MUFAs intake, App1 had the best agreement. App1 had high sensitivity (94.6%) in recognition of subjects with SFAs intake >10% with moderate specificity (67.9%), while App2 had poor sensitivity (27.2%) and high specificity (100%). App3 showed moderate sensitivity and specificity (77.2% and 75%, respectively).Conclusions: Mobile applications are not accurate tools in SFAs and PUFAs assessment when compared to the RM. Nonetheless, their ability to recognize SFAs intake >10% energy intake may suggest that further development of mobile applications could potentially become an attractive tool in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: FLG null variants of which 2282del4 and R501X are the most frequent in Caucasians are established risk factors for atopic dermatitis (AD) with an effect probably mediated through impairment of epidermal barrier. Among subjects with AD FLG defects are also consistently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) but it is less clear to what extent these associations are also present independently from skin disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of 2282del4 and R501X in predisposing to these allergic phenotypes in a Polish population. METHODOLOGY: 2282del4 and R501X were typed among 3,802 participants of the Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) survey, a cross-sectional population-based study using ECRHS II and ISAAC questionnaires, and ambulatory examination. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The FLG null variants were associated with AD (OR = 2.01, CI: 1.20-3.36, P = 0.007), allergic rhinitis (in particular persistent form, OR = 1.69, CI:1.12-2.54, P = 0.011), and asthma (in particular atopic asthma, OR = 2.22, CI:1.24-3.96, P = 0.006). Association with atopic asthma (but not persistent allergic rhinitis) was also present in the absence of AD, (OR = 2.02, CI: 1.07-3.81, P = 0.027) as well as in the absence of AD and history of broadly defined inflammatory skin disease (OR = 2.30, CI: 1.07-4.93, P = 0.03). Association to atopic asthma would have not been found if diagnosis was made by questionnaire only (OR = 1.15, CI: 0.58-2.32, P = 0.8). We did not observe an association between FLG variants and allergic sensitizations (P = 0.8) or total IgE. (P = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In a Polish population FLG 2282del4 and R501X carriage increases risk for development of AD and atopic asthma (also in the absence of AD or history thereof). This suggests that interventions aimed at restoring epidermal barrier may have a general role in asthma prophylaxis/treatment.

Introduction. Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, which affects young adults and is associated with multiple organ involvement and life-threatening complications. The aim of the study was to establish the incidence and prevalence of AOSD in Poland, and factors related to this disease among hospitalized patients. Materials and method. A retrospective, population-based study was conducted, using data from hospital discharge records compiled by the National Institute of Public Health in 2009-2018. Results. Based on hospitalization records and census data in a group of the 1,050 patients included in the study, women were predominant (60%) and patients' mean and median ages at hospitalization were 42 (95% CI: 40.8-42.8) and 38 years, respectively. The average annual incidence rate of AOSD during the 10-year period was established at the level of 0.32/100,000 (95% CI: 0.30-0.34), and the point prevalence at the end of 2018 was 2.7/100,000. The most common comorbidities were: cardiovascular diseases (14%), diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (14%), endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (9%). Conclusions. AOSD is a rare disease Poland with gender and territorial differences in incidence ratek, and predominance of cardiovascular diseases among comorbidities. The presented data may be useful for comparisons of the Polish population with other geographical regions. Predominance of patients from urban regions and predominance of women may suggest environmental and personal factors in AOSD development; however, further research seems to be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The study aimed to assess the effect of fur-bearing pets, including cats and dogs, on the health of individuals with allergic conditions. Materials and method. The study group comprised 18,617 individuals (16,562 from urban and 2,055 from rural areas). The tool used in the study was the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) study questionnaire, adapted to European conditions (Middle and Eastern Europe) and used as part of the study Implementation of a System for the Prevention and Early Detection of Allergic Diseases in Poland. Results. The factors determining the keeping of fur-bearing pets in a household included a larger living space and the number of cigarettes smoked, which were observed especially in urban settings. The keeping of fur-bearing animals in rural areas acts preventively against allergic conditions, while in urban areas, these animals were a factor clearly aggravating symptoms of bronchial asthma – the risk of cough (OR 1.921; CI 10–3.36; P=0.02) and wheezing (OR 2.60; CI 1.22–5.54; P=0.01). Conclusion. Fur-bearing animals kept in rural settings exhibit preventive effects on the development of allergies; whereas in urban areas they exacerbate allergic symptoms, especially the symptoms of bronchial asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this study was to estimate the reference values for nasal inspiratory flow in the study population in Poland as part of the project on Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP). Materials and method. The study subjects were a group of 4,137 people: 1,136 children aged 6-7 years (561 girls and 575 boys), 1,123 adolescents aged 13-14 years (546 girls, 577 boys) and 1,878 adults (1,145 women, 733 men), residing in seven large Polish cities. The method used in the study was the measurement of the peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) using a special mask for rhinomanometry tests, with a measurement scale of 20-350 L/min. Measurements were conducted twice: once before and once after nasal mucosa vasoconstriction with a 0.1% xylometazoline (Xylometazolinum) solution. Results. Nasal patency rates increased with age in healthy subjects (children aged 6-7 years: 75.95 L/min; teenagers aged 13-14 years: 91.44 L/min and adults: 97.13 L/min (P<0.05). Similarly significant correlations were observed in the study group based on the region of residence (P<0.05). A moderate correlation was observed between PNIF and height as well as weight (with correlation coefficients r=0.51, P<0.05; and r=0.49, P<0.05, respectively). Interestingly, the observed difference in nasal vasoconstriction varied considerably between study subgroups with respect to the pre-determined criteria of age, gender, place of residence, and clinical diagnosis (allergic rhinitis vs. healthy controls), with the mean rates of 25-28%. Conclusions. Any attempt to determine reference values for a given study population should include a number of variables, such as age, height, body weight, which can noticeably affect study results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]