Nasal function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in children.

The objective of the present study was to investigate nasal function by active anterior rhinomanometry with respect to spirometric data and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in 9-year-old children. The study population consisted of 300 children (ages 8 to 11 years; mean, 9.3 years; 161 male, 139 female), who underwent basal rhinomanometry followed by a decongestion test and a lung function test consisting of spirometry and a methacholine provocation test. The flow values of the basal rhinomanometry showed a significant correlation with height and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The consecutive decongestion test showed a marked increase in flow rates at each level, which was found to be significantly higher in children with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (p < 0.01). The spirometric data showed no influence on rhinomanometric values. These results suggest that nasal dysfunction and reactivity in terms of the decongestion test may be associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children.