Lower airways may also be affected in asymptomatic patients with recent onset of allergic rhinitis.

Objectives/Hypothesis: It is well known that there is a close association between allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma, and AR is a strong risk factor for the onset of asthma. AR duration is significantly associated with a possible bronchial involvement. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of possible spirometric abnormalities and bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) in a large group of patients with recent onset of AR. Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 1,539 AR patients were consecutively evaluated. Clinical examination, skin prick test, spirometry, and methacholine challenge were performed on all patients. Results: There were 362 (23%) patients with FEF_25–75 values <70% of predicted. The methacholine challenge was positive in 74.43% of patients, and 72.22% of the population presented a polysensitization. At multivariable analysis, an FEV₁ value lower than 92% of predicted, as well as increasing severity of BHR and polysensitization appeared to be independent predictors of a reduced FEF_25–75 value. Conclusions: This study shows that reduced FEF_25–75 values may be present in some patients with recent onset of AR. FEV₁ <92%, severity of BHR, and polysensitization may be considered risk factor for this phenomenon. Laryngoscope, 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]