ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Pneumologica 2011 December;50(4):257-65

Copyright © 2012 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Sinonasal and allergy-related findings in patients with asthma: effect of gender and side

Feyyat Sakin Y. ¹, Bozkus F. ², Iynen I. ²

¹ Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Van Akademi Medical Center, Van, Turkey; ² Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Harran University Faculty of Medicine, Sanliurfa, Turkey

Aim: The aim of the study was to detect sinonasal pathologies observed in patients diagnosed as asthma so as to aid in precautions taken to decrease the frequency of episodes in asthmatic patients.
Methods. All subjects underwent a standard otolaryngologic and otomicroscopic examination. After a detailed anamnesis, the patients were also asked about typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Serum eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) levels, total and allergen-specific IgE levels and nasal smear samples were assessed for allergy-related findings. Water’s view radiographs were evaluated for mucosal thickening, opacification, air fluid level and mucous retention cyst. Paranasal sinus computed tomography was assessed for sinonasal pathologic findings.
Results. Fifty patients met the eligibility criteria for the study. The most common symptoms reported were sneezing (72%), coughing (70%), throat ache (70%), and headache (68%). Any statistically significant difference between genders with respect to the results of allergy tests was not noted. Findings of right, and left maxillary sinuses detected in Waters radiograms obtained did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference. Any statistically significant difference could not be detected by paranasal tomographic examinations between right-, and left-sided lesions as for parameters investigated in asthmatic patients.
Conclusion. We contemplate that in asthmatic patients with a suspect allergic etiology, investigation of parameters of allergy in addition to routine examinations will contribute greatly to the clarification of etiopathogenesis of the disease, formulation of management plans, and consequently incorporation of allergy management to usual asthma therapy will increase therapeutic success rates In fact, the frequency of sinonasal symptoms in patients with bronchial asthma demonstrates the necessity of consideration of these problems in the management of this disease.