Visual analogue scale assessment of nasal obstruction might define patients candidates to spirometry

Abstract

Background: Asthma may be frequently associated with allergic rhinitis. Bronchial obstruction is a characteristic of asthma and spirometry is a cardinal step in asthma diagnosis. However, spirometry is rarely suitable in medical office. Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) is frequently used in common practice. Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the suitability of the use of VAS assessment of nasal obstruction to define patients with allergic rhinitis candidates for spirometry. Methods: 1728 patients with allergic rhinitis were consecutively evaluated. Clinical examination, skin prick test, VAS assessment, and spirometry were performed in all patients. Results: 7.9% of patients had impaired FEV1 values and 24.5% had impaired FEF25-75 values. A VAS value < 3.3 might identify with good reliability patients with impaired FEF25-75 values, such as having initial bronchial airflow limitation. Conclusions: This study, performed in a large cohort of subjects, highlights the close link between upper and lower airways and shows the possible suitability of the use of nasal obstruction VAS assessment to define patients with allergic rhinitis candidates for spirom-etry.