Non-specific bronchial hyper-responsiveness in children with allergic rhinitis: relationship with the atopic status

An increased prevalence of bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) has been demonstrated in children from a general population, and in non-asthmatic adults with allergic rhinitis. Thus, also children with allergic rhinitis are expected to be at higher risk of BHR. We evaluated the prevalence of BHR in a sample of non-asthmatic children with allergic rhinitis by means of the methacholine (Mch) bronchial challenge, and by monitorizing the airway patency using the daily peak expiratory flow variability (PEFv). Fifty-one children (ranged 6-15 years of age) with allergic rhinitis, ascertained by skin prick test to inhalant allergens, underwent a 14-day peak expiratory flow monitoring, and a Mch bro…

Effects of 12-Week Aerobic Training in Children with Mild Intermittent Asthma

Sensitization to dust mite defines different phenotypes of asthma: A multicenter study

Background Indoor allergens are risk factors for asthma: Thus, the characterization of indoor air quality is important for studying environment–health relationships in children. In particular, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is the dominant allergen for asthma. We cross-sectionally investigated the relationships among respiratory symptoms and function, airway inflammation, allergen sensitization, and indoor allergen concentration. Methods One hundred and thirty-two children aging 10-14 years and living in a Southern Mediterranean area were evaluated by parental questionnaires. Spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), skin prick tests, total, and specific serum IgE analyses were performed alo…

Association of Blattella germanica sensitization with atopic diseases in pediatric allergic patients

The extent to which the sensitization to the German cockroach Blattella germanica (BG) affects onset/presence of rhinoconjunctivitis (RC) in children is unknown.

Resumption of Ventilation at the End of Obstructive Sleep Apneas is not Determined by Diaphragmatic Fatigue

In patients affected by obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) a progressive increase of the force developed by the respiratory muscles is usually observed during the occlusive phase before upper airway patency is resumed (Onal and Lopata, 1986).