D2.33 - Correlation of chronic rhinosinusitis and lung function in allergy patients with chronic cough

A close relationship between upper and lower airway diseases is well known, and the “United Airways Concept” has been widely accepted. However, little is known about pulmonary function in patients with upper respiratory tract diseases. 

Chronic cough (CC) is a common illness. Approximately 10–20% of the general population may suffer from this condition, resulting in significant impairment of quality of life. CC is defined as a persistent cough lasting longer than eight weeks, and numerous factors including asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease, tobacco smoking, occupational irritants, and air pollution have a significant impact both in the onset and development of CC.

Chronic Rhino sinusitis is a common complication of allergic rhinitis, which can lead to inflammation of the sinus mucosa, obstruction of the sinus opening or ostium, and generally favorable conditions for bacterial growth.

  The purpose of this study was to evaluate lung function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with allergic rhinitis and without allergy.

The study was performed in patients aged 15 -60 years old, including with chronic rhinosisnusitis. (n=200), who referred to American hospital Tbilisi and Sachkhere medical center for a visit. Patients were divided into two group- patients with allergy rhinitis –(n-125) and without allergy (n-75).

The symptoms were scored using nasal symptom scoring protocol and the

lung volumes determined using spirometry. The data were collated and

analyzed using SPSS Version 20 statistical software. The relationships

between pulmonary function and clinical parameters were assessed. These

parameters included specific IgE level on grass pollen, trees and humidity,

dust mite and pets.

The most common presenting symptom were nasal congestion (91%) and cough (90%). The most common triggers of allergic symptoms were humidity (72.3%) and grass pollen (82%). There was a statistically significant correlation between chronic rhinosisnusitis with allergy and decreased lung function- (χ2 = 72, P = 0.0001). Using the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of chronic rhinosinusitis was associated with the reduced lung function in patients with allergy. (OR =1.32, 95% CI (1,12-1.44) P = 0.010; X2=6.75; F-0.020). Spirometry test results FEF75%, FEF25-75 were below 80% on average and significantly (P< 0.05) below in both sexes in patients with allergy.

According the results, decreased pulmonary function-FEF75- (p-0.039; x2- 3.12) and FEF25-75-(p-0.035; x2-3.02) is strongly associated with the chronic rhinosinusitis in allergy patients with chronic cough, but not FEV1, nor FEV1/FVC not correlated with presence of the disease.

There is a significant correlation allergy and reduced lung function in

patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.