Assessment of biofilm by nasal cytology in different forms of rhinitis and its functional correlations

European Annals of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Vol 45, No 1 (2013) > Gelardi

Assessment of biofilm by nasal cytology in different forms of rhinitis and its functional correlations

M. Gelardi, G. Passalaqua, M.L. Fiorella, et al.

Abstract

Background: Recently, it has been reported that nasal cytology in light microscopy can identify biofilms, which appear as cyan-stained “Infectious Spots”. We assessed by the same method and in the same population, the presence of biofilms in different nasal disorders, and estimated if a correlation with the functional grade of obstruction existed. Methods: Subjects suffering from different nasal disorders, after a detailed clinical history and ENT examination, underwent nasal fibroendoscopy, skin prick test, rhinomanometry and nasal cytology. The presence of biofilm was linked to the type of disease and to the grade of obstruction. Results: Among 1,410 subjects previously studied, the infectious spot was found in 107 patients (7.6%), and this percentage reached 55.4% in subjects with cytologic signs of infectious rhinitis (presence of bacteria/fungi). Biofilms were largely more frequent in patients with adenoid hypertrophy (57.4%), followed by nasal polyposis (24%), chronic rhinosinusitis (9.5%) and non-allergic rhinitis (7.6%). Nasal cytology was normal in the remaining patients, where no infectious spot was detectable. Statistical analysis showed that nasal resistances were significantly higher in presence of biofilms in patients with adenoid hypertrophy (p=0.003), nasal polyposis (p<0 .001="" also="" and="" as="" assessed="" biofilm="" biofilms="" but="" by="" chronic="" conclusion:="" correlates="" degree="" demonstrate="" deviation="" diseases.="" div="" immune-mediated="" in="" infectious="" inflammatory="" is="" nasal="" not="" obstruction="" of="" only="" or="" p="0.001)." presence="" present="" results="" rhinitis="" rhinomanometry.="" rhinosinusitis="" septal="" significantly="" that="" the="" with="">

Keywords

Nasal cytology, biofilm, nasal obstruction, rhinitis, rhinomanometry

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ARIA classification showed better representation of allergic symptoms and QOL than did the SAR/PAR classification.

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|  | Full Text    |    Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2013 Mar;5(2):75-80. English. Published online 2012 November 27.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4168/aair.2013.5.2.75  Copyright © 2013 The Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology • The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease Seasonal Specificity of Seasonal Allergens and Validation of the ARIA Classification in Korea Young-Jun Chung, Il-Kwon Cho, Ki-Il Lee, Sung-Hyen Bae, Jae-Wook Lee, Phil-Sang Chung and Ji-Hun Mo Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.  Correspondence to: Ji-Hun Mo, MD, PhD, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan 330-997, Korea. Tel: +82-41-550-3933; Fax: +82-41-556-1090; Email:jihunmo@gmail.com Young-Jun Chung and Il-Kwon Cho contributed equally to this work. Received November 29, 2011; Revised August 16, 2012; Accepted September 06, 2012. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.  This article has been cited by 1 article in    This article has been cited by 1 article in  KoMCI Abstract Purpose In Korea, tree pollens are known to be prevalent in spring, grass pollens in summer and weed pollens in autumn. However, few studies have revealed their seasonal specificity for allergic rhinitis symptoms. An ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) classification of allergic rhinitis was recently introduced and its clinical validation has not been well proved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal specificity of seasonal allergens and to validate the ARIA classification with the conventional seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (SAR/PAR) classification. Methods Two hundred twenty six patients with allergic rhinitis were included in this study. The patients were classified according to the sensitized allergens and the ARIA classifications. A questionnaire survey was performed and the data on the seasonal symptom score, the severity of symptoms and the SNOT (sinonasal outcome test)-20 score was obtained and the data was analyzed and compared between the conventional SAR/PAR classification and the ARIA classification. Results Seasonal pollens (tree, grass, weed) were not specific to the pollen peak season and the patients' symptoms were severe during spring and autumn regardless of the offending pollens. More than 60% of the patients with SAR showed persistent symptoms and 33% of the patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) had intermittent symptoms, showing the lack of association between the SAR/PAR/PAR+SAR classification and the ARIA classification. The ARIA classification showed better association not only with the symptomatic score, but also with the SNOT-20 score, which showed better validity than the conventional SAR/PAR classifications. Conclusions Seasonal pollens were not specific to their season of prevalence in terms of the severity of symptoms, and the ARIA classification showed better representation of allergic symptoms and quality of life (SNOT-20 score) than did the SAR/PAR classification.

Low-fat yoghurt intake was directly related to increased risk of both child asthma and allergic rhinitis

• NIHPA Author Manuscripts >
• PMC3582227

J Nutr Sci. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2013 February 26.

Published in final edited form as:

J Nutr Sci. 2012 July 6; 1: e5.

doi:  10.1017/jns.2012.5

PMCID: PMC3582227

NIHMSID: NIHMS400017

Low-fat yoghurt intake in pregnancy associated with increased child asthma and allergic rhinitis risk: a prospective cohort study

Ekaterina Maslova,^1,2,3,* Thorhallur I. Halldorsson,^3,4 Marin Strøm,³ and Sjurdur F. Olsen^1,3

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Abstract

Dairy products are important sources of micronutrients, fatty acids and probiotics which could modify the risk of child asthma and allergy development. To examine the association of dairy product intake during pregnancy with child asthma and allergic rhinitis at 18 months and 7 years in the Danish National Birth Cohort, data on milk and yoghurt consumption were collected in mid-pregnancy (25th week of gestation) using a validated FFQ (n 61 909). At 18 months, we evaluated asthma and wheeze using interview data. We assessed asthma and allergic rhinitis using a questionnaire at the age of 7 years and through registry linkages. Current asthma was defined as self-reported ever asthma diagnosis and wheeze in the past 12 months. All associations were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. At 18 months whole milk was inversely associated with child asthma (≥5.5 times/week v. none: 0.85, 95 % CI 0.75, 0.97); the reverse was true for semi-skimmed milk (≥5.5 times/week v. none: 1.08, 95 % CI 1.02, 1.15). For yoghurt, children of women who ate low-fat yoghurt >1 serving/d had 1.21 (95 % CI 1.02, 1.42) greater odds of a medication-related ever asthma diagnosis compared with children of women reporting no intake. They were also more likely to have a registry-based ever diagnosis and report allergic rhinitis. Low-fat yoghurt intake was directly related to increased risk of both child asthma and allergic rhinitis, while whole milk appeared protective for early-life outcomes only. Nutrient components or additives specific to low-fat yoghurt may be mediating the increase in risk.

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Dr. Carmen Storm discusses the oral allergy syndrome and how it relates to food allergy. Held on Dec 17, 2012.

Dr. Carmen Storm discusses the oral allergy syndrome and how it relates to food allergy. Held on Dec 17, 2012.

COLA (Conferences On-Line Allergy) is a live series of online allergy conferences held at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. World experts give presentations on topics related to allergy and immunology. Live conferences are held on Monday and Friday from 10-noon (central time). They can be joined by going to http://www.childrensmercy.org/cola

Dr. Manika Girdhar discusses a patient with suspected allergies and swelling who has something completely different instead.

Dr. Manika Girdhar discusses a patient with suspected allergies and swelling who has something completely different instead. Held on Jan 4, 2013.
COLA (Conferences On-Line Allergy) is a live series of online allergy conferences held at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. World experts give presentations on topics related to allergy and immunology. Live conferences are held on Monday and Friday from 10-noon (central time). They can be joined by going to http://www.childrensmercy.org/cola

Dr. Michelle Altrich discusses new allergy/immunology laboratory tests.

Dr. Michelle Altrich discusses new allergy/immunology laboratory tests. Held on Jan 7, 2013.

COLA (Conferences On-Line Allergy) is a live series of online allergy conferences held at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. World experts give presentations on topics related to allergy and immunology. Live conferences are held on Monday and Friday from 10-noon (central time). They can be joined by going to http://www.childrensmercy.org/cola

Characteristics of patients preferring once-daily controller therapy for asthma and COPD

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Research Paper

Characteristics of patients preferring once-daily controller therapy for asthma and COPD: a retrospective cohort study

^*David Price^1,2, Amanda J Lee³, Erika J Sims^2,4, Linda Kemp², Elizabeth V Hillyer², Alison Chisholm², Julie von Ziegenweidt², Angela Williams<sup>5

1</sup> Academic Centre of Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, UK

² Research in Real Life, Cambridge, UK

³ Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK

⁴ Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

⁵ GlaxoSmithKline R & D, Uxbridge, UK (currently with MedImmune, Cambridge, UK)

Received 7 September 2012 • Accepted 22 December 2012 • Online 4 March 2013


Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patient preference is an important factor when choosing an inhaler device for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). AIMS: To identify characteristics of patients with asthma or COPD who prefer a once-daily controller medication regimen. METHODS: This retrospective observational study used electronic patient records and linked outcomes from patient-completed questionnaires in a primary care database. We compared the characteristics of patients indicating a preference for once-daily therapy with those who were unsure or indicating no preference. RESULTS: Of 3,731 patients with asthma, 2,174 (58%) were women; the mean age was 46 years (range 2–94). Of 2,138 patients with COPD, 980 (46%) were women; the mean age was 70 years (range 35–98). Approximately half of the patients in each cohort indicated once-daily preference, one-quarter were unsure, and one-quarter did not prefer once-daily therapy. In patients with asthma or COPD, the preference for once-daily controller medication was significantly associated with poor adherence and higher concerns about medication. In asthma, good control and low self-perceived controller medication need were associated with once-daily preference. By contrast, in COPD, a high self-perceived need for controller medication was associated with once-daily preference. There was no significant relationship between once-daily preference and age, sex, disease severity, or exacerbation history. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding patient preferences may help prescribers to individualise therapy better for asthma and COPD.

Cite as: Price D, Lee AJ, Sims EJ, Kemp L, Hillyer EV, Chisholm A, von Ziegenweidt J, Williams A. Characteristics of patients preferring once-daily controller therapy for asthma and COPD: a retrospective cohort study. Prim Care Respir J 2013; Available from: URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.4104/pcrj.2013.00017

Keywords
adherence, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, once-daily, preference, retrospective observational study

* Corresponding author. David Price Tel: +44 (0)1224 554588 Fax: +44 (0)1224 554588 Email: david@respiratoryresearch.org

© 2013 Primary Care Respiratory Society UK. All rights reserved.

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Remote Monitoring of Inhaled Bronchodilator Use and Weekly Feedback about Asthma Management

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• PLoS One >
• v.8(2); 2013 >
• PMC3584103

PLoS One. 2013; 8(2): e55335.

Published online 2013 February 27. doi:  10.1371/journal.pone.0055335

PMCID: PMC3584103

Remote Monitoring of Inhaled Bronchodilator Use and Weekly Feedback about Asthma Management: An Open-Group, Short-Term Pilot Study of the Impact on Asthma Control

David Van Sickle,^1,* Sheryl Magzamen,¹ Shaun Truelove,¹ and Teresa Morrison²

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Abstract

Objective

Adequate symptom control is a problem for many people with asthma. We asked whether weekly email reports on monitored use of inhaled, short-acting bronchodilators might improve scores on composite asthma-control measures.

Methods

Through an investigational electronic medication sensor attached to each participant's inhaler, we monitored 4 months' use of inhaled, short-acting bronchodilators. Participants completed surveys, including the Asthma Control Test^TM (ACT), to assess asthma control at entry and monthly thereafter. After the first month, participants received weekly email reports for 3 months. The reports summarized inhaled bronchodilator use during the preceding week and provided suggestions derived from National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines. Paired t-tests and random-effects mixed models were implemented to assess changes in primary asthma endpoints.

Results

Thirty individuals participated in the 4-month study; 29 provided complete asthma control information. Mean age was 36.8 years (range: 19–74 years); 52% of respondents were female. Mean ACT scores were 17.6 (Standard Deviation [SD] =3.35) at entry and 18.4 (SD=3.60) at completion of the first month. No significant difference appeared between ACT values at entry and completion of the first month (p=0.66); however, after participants began receiving email reports and online information about their inhaler use, mean ACT scores increased 1.40 points (95% CI: 0.61, 2.18) for each subsequent study month. Significant decreases occurred in 2-week histories of daytime symptoms (β=−1.35, 95% CI: −2.65, −0.04) and nighttime symptoms (β=−0.84, 95% CI: −1.25, −0.44); no significant change in activity limitation (β=−0.21, 95% CI: −0.69, 0.26) was observed. Participants reported increased awareness and understanding of asthma patterns, level of control, bronchodilator use (timing, location) and triggers, and improved preventive practices.

Conclusions

Weekly email reports and access to online charts summarizing remote monitoring of inhaled bronchodilator frequency and location were associated with improved asthma control and a decline in day-to-day asthma symptoms.

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