OBJECTIVE. This study aimed to analyse the association of absolute eosinophil count (AEC), serum IgE and spirometry with co-morbid bronchial asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. This study involved 50 patients with signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis who underwent a clinical examination and various tests, including spirometry, and were followed up regularly. Patients found to have bronchial asthma or nasal polyposis were treated accordingly.
RESULTS. The study found the prevalence of bronchial asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis to be 58% and that the severity of bronchial asthma was reduced significantly, with lesser acute attacks and reduced hospitalizations with the effective treatment of allergic rhinitis (p=0.064).
CONCLUSION. This study showed that elevated AEC and serum IgE were significantly associated with co-existing allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma and increased the chance of co-existence of these two pathologies. Spirometry is a useful tool for observing the response to treatment.
