Methods : In the cross-sectional study, 31 patients with mild-persistent or severe-intermittent AR patients, 23 AR patients with BA, and 19 normal subjects were enrolled. The FeNO levels were measured by using a handheld electrochemical analyzer (NObreathⓇ; Bedfont Scientific LTd., Rochester, Kent, UK) before treatment and at one month after treatment. The nasal FeNO levels were measured by using a nose adaptor. All patients were measured serum total eosinophil count, total IgE, allergen-specific IgE against house dust mite(Dp, Df), Alternaria, cat dander, cockroach, tree mixes by the ImmunoCAP or skin prick test.
Results : There were no significant differences in the serum total eosinophil count, total IgE levels between AR patients and AR patients with BA. The oral FeNO levels before and after treatment showed no significant differences between AR patients and AR patients with BA. The nasal FeNO levels before treatment were significantly higher in the AR patients with BA than the AR patients.(P=0.005) After treatment, the nasal FeNO levels were no significant differences between diseases groups. The nasal FeNO levels after treatment were significantly lower compared to the nasal FeNO levels before treatment in both AR and AR patients with BA.(AR patients; P=0.044, AR patients with BA; P=0.004)
Conclusion : After treatment, the nasal FeNO levels were significantly decreased in the AR patients with or without BA. The nasal FeNO measurement in AR patients is suitable method for monitoring the effect of treatment modalities.