Nasal nitric oxid and nasal nitrate and nitrite in relation to allergy and smoking habits

• Background: The role of nasally exhaled nitric oxide (nNO) in diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is still unclear, in contrast to orally exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), which is well established as a marker of inflammation in the lower airways. Objective: Levels of nNO, nitrite/nitrate in nasal lavage (NAL) and acoustic rhinometry results were analysed in order to evaluate these markers in allergic rhinitis. Methods: Altogether 45 subjects were subgrouped according to airway into: allergy with ongoing allergen exposure (I) or in a latent phase of exposure (II) and no allergy (III). The level of nNO was calculated by subtraction of eNO after mouthwash from nasally exhaled NO. The findings were related to acoustic rhinometry and spirometry, before and after an exercise provocation of the airways. Nitrite/nitrate levels were analysed by the Greiss reaction after reduction of nitrate to nitrite. Results: A weak correlation between nNO and nitrite/nitrate levels was found in males, but neither of these markers nor acoustic rhinometry showed differences between the subgroups. In contrast, eNO, but not spirometry, differentiated allergy with ongoing allergen exposure from allergy in a latent phase of exposure and no allergy. Conclusions: No difference of nNO levels was found in allergic and normal subjects.

Nyckelord

Nitic oxide

nitrite/nitrate

nasal mucosa

allergic rhinitis

smoking habits

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

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