Abstract
Nasal polyposis is often observed in patients with Aspirin-induced asthma (AIA). Therefore, nasal polypectomy must be considered in postoperative asthma attacks. The aim of this study was to measure sensitivity to methacholine provocation in patients with nasal polyposis and to discuss the relationship between hyper-responsiveness of the lower airway and nasal polyposis.
Fifty-five patients with nasal polyposis were studied. These patients were divided into 3 groups; 7 patients who had a history of AIA, 23 patients with allergic rhinosinusitis, and 27 patients with non-allergic rhinosinusitis. These patients were examined for respiratory resistance through the mouth, spirometry, and analysis of flow-volume curves and using methacholine provocation test.
As a result, the sensitivity of the lower airway in patients with AIA was statistically higher than that of another patients. This result suggests that the methacholine provocation test should be useful to diagnose hyper-responsiveness of the lower airway.
Inconclusion, it is important to consider the sensitivity of the lower airway before nasal polypectomy.
