慢性鼻病中乏氧诱导因子-1与5-脂加氧酶的表达及意义

目的探讨乏氧诱导因子-1和5-脂加氧酶在鼻息肉、变应性鼻炎鼻黏膜、慢性鼻炎鼻黏膜和正常鼻黏膜中的表达情况,分析二者在上述疾病中的相关性。方法选取2019年1月—2020年6月鼻息肉、变应性鼻炎鼻黏膜、慢性鼻炎鼻黏膜各25例(试验组),以及正常鼻黏膜30例(对照组)。采用免疫组织化学法分别检测乏氧诱导因子-1和5-脂加氧酶蛋白表达情况,分析各组之间差异。结果鼻息肉组、变应性鼻炎组和慢性鼻炎组乏氧诱导因子-1、5-脂加氧酶阳性表达均明显高于对照组(P<0.05),且鼻息肉组、变应性鼻炎组及慢性鼻炎组氧诱导因子-1、5-脂加氧酶阳性表达逐渐降低(P<0.05)。鼻息肉组、变应性鼻炎组及慢性鼻炎组中乏氧诱导因子-1阳性表达与5-脂加氧酶的阳性表达正相关(P<0.05)。对照组乏氧诱导因子-1与5-脂加氧酶无明显相关性(P>0.05)。结论乏氧诱导因子-1和5-脂加氧酶在鼻息肉、变应性鼻炎鼻黏膜、慢性鼻炎鼻黏膜中高表达,可能参与了疾病的发生、发展,与该疾病有密切关系。     

The relative proportion of comorbidities among rhinitis and rhinosinusitis patients and their impact on visit burden

BackgroundThe aim was to evaluate the relative proportion of Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) and other comorbidities, and their impact on the burden of outpatient visits due to allergic rhinitis (AR), non‐allergic rhinitis (NAR), acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP).MethodsWe used hospital registry data of a random sample of 5080 rhinitis/rhinosinusitis patients diagnosed during 2005–2019. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD10) diagnoses, visits, and other factors were collected from electronic health records by using information extraction and data processing methods. Cox''s proportional hazards model was used for modeling the time to the next outpatient visit.ResultsThe mean (±standard deviation) age of the population was 33.6 (±20.7) years and 56.1% were female. The relative proportion of AR, NAR, ARS, CRSsNP and CRSwNP, were 33.5%, 27.5%, 27.2%, 20.7%, and 10.9%, respectively. The most common other comorbidities were asthma (44.4%), other chronic respiratory diseases (38.5%), musculoskeletal diseases (38.4%), and cardiovascular diseases (35.7%). Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease existed in 3.9% of all patients, and 17.7% of the CRSwNP group. The relative proportion of subjects having 1, 2, 3 and ≥ 4 other diseases were 18.0%, 17.6%, 17.0%, 37.0%, respectively. All diseases except AR, ARS, and mouth breathing, were associated with a high frequency of outpatient visits.ConclusionsOur results revealed a high relative proportion of NERD and other comorbidities, which affect the burden of outpatient visits and hence confirm the socioeconomic impact of upper airway diseases.     

Biologics in asthma: difficulties and drawbacks

Background: Biologics have become an increasingly important class of therapeutic compounds in a variety of immune and/or inflammatory diseases. Patients with severe uncontrolled asthma represent a significant unmet need. Methods: This review gives some examples of the complex use of biologics in asthma. Results/Conclusions: It is very difficult to predict the efficacy of biologics in severe asthma and only one monoclonal antibody to date has been found to be effective and approved by both the FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for the treatment of difficult allergic asthma. New pathways may prove to be of importance for the development of biologics. Biologics are not devoid of side effects, which can, although not always, be predicted from their mechanism of action. These include hypersensivity reactions, which need to be better understood to prevent and control them. Finally, biologics should be cost-effective. This review gives some examples of the complex use of biologics in asthma.     

Clinical and inflammatory characteristics of patients with asthma in the Spanish MEGA project cohort

IntroductionThe MEGA (MEchanism underlying the Genesis and evolution of Asthma) project is a multicenter cohort study carried out in eight Spanish hospitals, gathering clinical, physiological, and molecular data from patients with asthma and multimorbidities in order to gain insight into the different physiopathological mechanisms involved in this disorder.Material and MethodsWe report the baseline clinical and physiological characteristics and biomarker measures of adult participants in the project with the aim of better understanding the natural history and underlying mechanisms of asthma as well as the associated multimorbidities across different levels of severity. We carried out a detailed clinical examination, pulmonary function testing, measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood counts, induced sputum, skin prick tests, chest computed tomography scan, asthma questionnaires, and multimorbidity assessment in 512 asthmatic patients.ResultsWhen compared to patients with milder disease, severe asthmatic patients showed greater presence of symptoms, more exacerbations, lower asthma control, increased airflow obstruction, and higher frequency of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, severe rhinitis, anxiety and depression, gastroesophageal reflux, and bronchiectasis.ConclusionThe MEGA project succeeded in recruiting a high number of asthma patients, especially those with severe disease, who showed lower control and higher frequency of multimorbidities.     

A multicenter study on the efficacy and safety of So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang for perennial allergic rhinitis

BackgroundSo-Cheong-Ryong-Tang (SCRT), also known as Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang or Sho-seiryo-to, is a mixed herbal formula that is used to treat allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, allergic asthma, and common cold in traditional Korean medicine.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of the SCRT for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study of Korean adults with perennial allergic rhinitis. The trial consisted of a 4-week oral administration of SCRT or placebo, with two visits at 2-week intervals, and an 8-week follow-up period, with two visits at 4-week intervals. The primary outcome was a change in the total nasal symptoms score. The secondary outcomes included changes in the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score, total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), cytokines levels, and nasal endoscopy index.ResultsSCRT improved nasal symptoms and quality of life in patients with PAR after 4 weeks medication, and these effects did not last 8 weeks after the end of medication. The level of serum IgE, eosinophil counts, and cytokines did not alter after medication. Nasal endoscopy index did not show significant difference. No serious AEs and safety assessment changes were observed in this trial.ConclusionSCRT is an effective and safe medication for patients with chronic, perennial, and moderate to severe AR. A clinical study with a >4-week period of medication use, and more participants for immune material test is needed to investigate the long-term efficacy of SCRT in relieving the symptoms of nasal obstruction and identifying the underlying mechanisms of action and indications for traditional Korean medicine.     

Special considerations for biologic medications in pediatric ulcerative colitis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: More extensive disease, high rates of corticosteroid refractory and dependent disease, and the potential impact of disease on growth and development differentiate inflammatory bowel disease in children from adults. This is particularly evident in ulcerative colitis where pancolitis predominates, success of mesalamine alone in achieving remission is less than 50%, and there is a high need for immunomodulator or biologic therapies.

Areas Covered: This review describes the use of infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, and vedolizumab in the treatment of children with ulcerative colitis but is limited in scope due to the paucity of controlled clinical trials. A search of existing literature with keywords of these specific biological therapies as well as ‘pediatric’, ‘ulcerative colitis,’ and ‘inflammatory bowel disease’ was used to complete this review.

Expert Opinion: Therapeutic drug monitoring has become standard of care when assessing dosing and changes in therapy and will play a role in future treatment planning.     

HER2 as a target for breast cancer therapy

Importance of the field: Differential levels of HER2 expression in normal versus HER2-overexpressing breast carcinomas, together with the demonstration of a key role for HER2 in tumor progression, make HER2 an ideal target for specific therapeutic approaches.

Areas covered in this review: This review considers the clinical value of trastuzumab and lapatinib, the two HER2-targeted therapies approved for clinical practice. References were chosen by searching the PubMed and MEDLINE datasets using as search term: ‘HER2’, in association with ‘prognosis’, ‘response’, ‘trastuzumab’, ‘lapatinib’ and ‘resistance’.

What the reader will gain: This review deals with HER2 as a target for breast carcinoma treatment, focusing on anti-HER2 therapies used in clinical practice, their merits and shortcomings.

Take home message: The benefit of anti-HER2 therapies demonstrated in clinical trials indicates that HER2 is, to date, one of the most promising molecules for targeted therapy. Nevertheless, since tumor cells utilizing alternative growth signaling pathways through transmembrane receptors as well as intracellular signaling transduction molecules can bypass HER2 blockade, a future ambitious aim is the successful combination of anti-HER2 strategies with drugs directed to molecules that contribute to anti-HER2 resistance.     

Recent advances and developments in COVID‐19 in the context of allergic diseases

BackgroundSince the first reports of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, there have been 198 million confirmed cases worldwide as of August 2021. The scientific community has joined efforts to gain knowledge of the newly emerged virus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the immunopathological mechanisms leading to COVID‐19, and its significance for patients with allergies and asthma.MethodsBased on the current literature, recent advances and developments in COVID‐19 in the context of allergic diseases were reviewed.Results and ConclusionsIn this review, we discuss the prevalence of COVID‐19 in subjects with asthma, attacks of hereditary angioedema, and other allergic diseases during COVID‐19. Underlying mechanisms suggest a protective role of allergy in COVID‐19, involving eosinophilia, SARS‐CoV‐2 receptors expression, interferon responses, and other immunological events, but further studies are needed to fully understand those associations. There has been significant progress in disease evaluation and management of COVID‐19, and allergy care should continue during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (EAACI) launched a series of statements and position papers providing recommendations on the organization of the allergy clinic, handling of allergen immunotherapy, asthma, drug hypersensitivity, allergic rhinitis, and other allergic diseases. Treatment of allergies using biologics during the COVID‐19 pandemic has also been discussed. Allergic reactions to the COVID‐19 vaccines, including severe anaphylaxis, have been reported. Vaccination is a prophylactic strategy that can lead to a significant reduction in the mortality and morbidity associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and in this review, we discuss the proposed culprit components causing rare adverse reactions and recommendations to mitigate the risk of anaphylactic events during the administration of the vaccines.     

Up-to-date surgery for ulcerative colitis in the era of biologics

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In recent decades, biologics have resulted in significantly improved medical management of ulcerative colitis (UC). Rates of surgery for UC are declining. However, there is still a controversial question of the relation of biologics to postoperative adverse outcomes and the most appropriate timing for operative intervention.

Areas covered: In this review, we explore the updated treatment algorithm of acute severe colitis, describe postoperative outcomes in patients exposed to biologics preoperatively, and discuss the primary indications for staging surgery in chronic refractory cases, largely with prolonged medical therapy.

Expert opinion: Delaying pouch construction to when patients are in better health is suggested as a safer strategy over the long term. The surgical management of UC patients in the biologic era needs to be individualized, and a case-based multidisciplinary decision is critical for improved outcomes and a reduction of morbidity and mortality.     

Targeting B cells with biologics in systemic lupus erythematosus

Importance of the field: The use of biologics as immune modulators in several autoimmune diseases has provided new tools to the physician's therapeutic armamentiarium and has led to improved patients' outcomes and quality of life. By producing autoantibodies, B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are key players in the pathogenesis of the disease and in its clinical manifestations. Therefore, biologics that target B cells in SLE aim at reducing the activity of these cells for the induction of remissions and/or amelioration of disease activity, reduction of organ involvement, and limitation of the complications and side effects caused by immunosuppressive therapies.

Areas covered in this review: This review describes the past and current clinical trials with B-cell-targeted biologics in SLE, to provide a historical perspective and the state-of-the-art on the topic.

What the reader will gain: We review how the disappointment in the field from promising agents has been instrumental in providing valuable lessons leading to an improved design of new trials that are now giving encouraging results.

Take home message: In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the use of B-cell-based biologics in clinical trials has shown both disappointment and promise.     

嗜酸性粒细胞和IL-5在鼻息肉中的表达及在发病中的作用

目的探讨嗜酸性粒细胞、IL-5在鼻息肉中的表达及其在发病中的作用。方法 43例变应性鼻炎、80例慢性鼻窦炎不伴鼻息肉、80例鼻息肉与60例健康对照志愿者作为本次研究对象。检测受试对象嗜酸性粒细胞计数、血清总IgE、白细胞介素5(IL-5)、嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)水平。结果鼻息肉组IL-5、ECP、IgE水平及嗜酸性粒细胞计数均高于对照组(P0.05);Logistic分析显示IL-5、ECP、IgE水平与鼻息肉的预后、复发密切相关;Pearson's相关性分析显示鼻息肉组患者血清ECP水平与IL-5呈正相关(r=0.493,P0.05),血清ECP水平与IgE有弱相关(r=0.261,P=0.041)。结论嗜酸性粒细胞、IL-5在鼻息肉的发病中起到重要作用,同时不排除变态反应对病情的影响,治疗上均应给与重视。     

Worldwide prevalence of rhinitis in adults: A review of definitions and temporal evolution

IntroductionAlthough rhinitis is among the most common diseases worldwide, rhinitis prevalence in the general adult population is unclear and definitions differ widely.ObjectiveTo summarize the literature on rhinitis prevalence in the general adult population and to assess: (1) the prevalence according to different rhinitis definitions overall and in different regions of the world, and (2) the evolution of rhinitis prevalence over time.MethodsWe conducted an extensive literature review of publications including rhinitis prevalence using Pubmed and Scopus databases up to October 2020. We classified the definitions into three categories: unspecified rhinitis, allergic rhinitis (AR), and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR).ResultsAmong 5878 articles screened, 184 articles were included, presenting 156 different definitions of rhinitis. Rhinitis prevalence ranged from 1% to 63%. The overall median prevalences of unspecified rhinitis, AR and NAR were 29.4%, 18.1% and 12.0%, and they varied according to the geographical location. Rhinitis prevalence tended to increase over time.ConclusionsThis review highlights the great heterogeneity of the definitions. The majority of studies had focused on AR, while only a few epidemiological data exist on NAR. We found geographical variability in rhinitis prevalence. Most of studies reported an increase of rhinitis prevalence over the last decades.     

Current Limitations and Recent Advances in the Management of Asthma

BackgroundAsthma is a significant worldwide health issue affecting kids and adults. Asthma management is mainly straightforward, but considering the associated co-morbidities, it is essential to diagnose the disease accurately. Steroid resistance and dependence, along with inhaler abuse, are the other challenges in clinical practice. Despite being treated with the recommended guidelines, a good portion of the population has persistent symptoms. Emerging biological treatments can alter the global landscape of managing severe asthma. With these new therapeutic possibilities, phenotype- and endotype-specific therapies can be used to individualize treatment plans.MethodologyWe searched Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and PubMed until March 2022 for all types of literature. Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms such as “asthma,” “pathogenesis,” “diagnosis and classification,” “comorbidities,” “treatments,” “inhaler abuse & corticosteroid resistance,” and “biologics” were used in the searches. To better understand the disease, we analyzed the literature on asthma regarding pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, endotypic and phenotypic classification, comorbidities, existing treatment guidelines, management challenges, and potential for biologics in uncontrolled cases.ResultsAfter exploring the data, our review article aims to highlight current limitations in the clinical management of asthma and the advances in treating asthma.ConclusionClinical practice should consider an integrative approach to the care and prevention of asthma. We advocate for a large-scale cohort of observation studies and RCTs that further look into the underlying immunological mechanisms, the function of hereditary and environmental variables, and the novel molecular targets of asthma in light of the rising incidence and prevalence of the disease. Even with rising steroid resistance and dependence, the standard therapy will be the mainstream of asthma management. Biologics have promiscuous results and the potential for changing the treatment of uncontrolled asthma. Optimizing the standard therapy with biologics is needed to decrease asthma-related morbidity.     

Tumor necrosis factor biologics beyond psoriasis in dermatology

Introduction: TNF-α is a cytokine essential for immune response and its receptors has been shown to be dysregulated in a variety of diseases including psoriasis vulgaris. There are a number of TNF-α inhibitors approved for psoriasis, however there is a growing body of literature supporting their use in a wide variety of dermatological conditions.

Areas covered: The use of biologic TNF-α antagonists in conditions for which they have not yet been approved by the FDA (‘off-label’ uses) and the literature that supports the most appropriate agents and conditions for use. A PubMed/MEDLINE search was performed with the keywords ‘TNFα antagonist’, ‘biologic therapy’, ‘off-label’ and ‘unapproved’. The list of references and citing articles of the articles retrieved were also used as sources. This complete list was evaluated for inclusion, based on relevance to the proposed goal of this review.

Expert opinion: There are a large number of conditions for which biologic antagonists of TNFα are effective, beyond those already approved by the FDA. The various agents vary in their efficacy in treatment, with infliximab consistently the most effective, particularly in granulomatous diseases. Although effectiveness varies among these conditions, biologic antagonists of TNF-α are promising for the treatment of these diseases.     

Unresolved inflammation: ‘immune tsunami’ or erosion of integrity in immune-privileged and immune-responsive tissues and acute and chronic inflammatory diseases or cancer

Introduction: Unresolved inflammation is loss of balance between two biologically opposing arms of acute inflammation, ‘Yin’ (tumoricidal) and ‘Yang’ (tumorigenic) processes that cause disruption of protective mechanisms of immune system.

Areas covered: Hypothesis: Unresolved inflammation-induced exaggerated expression of apoptotic and/or wound healing mediators lead to fundamental erosion (‘immune tsunami’ or ‘immune meltdown’) of integrity in tissues that are naturally immune-responsive (immune surveillance); or immune-privileged (immune tolerance). ‘Immune tsunami’ refers to end results of acute or chronic immune dysfunction leading to inflammatory diseases or cancer. Acute inflammatory diseases including drug-induced cancer cachexia, would fit features of ‘immune meltdown’ that are otherwise described for end results of age-associated diseases. Pathogens induce rapid destruction of vascular integrity, gain access to tissues and cause excessive expression of apoptotic factors leading to multiple organ failure (MOF). Significant disruptions of immunological barriers and response shifts lead to chronic neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, tumor growth, malignancies and angiogenesis and loss of natural immune response balances.

Expert opinion: Strategies to promote (stabilize) inherent properties of innate immune cells (‘tumoricidal’ versus ‘tumorigenesis’) that would influence polarization of adaptive immune (T or B) cells are key in reducing or preventing incidence of inflammatory and vascular diseases or cancer during aging process.     

Nasal saline irrigation: prescribing habits and attitudes of physicians and pharmacists

ObjectivesTo explore the opinions, the usage and the patient education given on nasal saline irrigation by physicians and pharmaceutical personnel working in Finland.DesignAn internet-based survey with predetermined, multiple-choice answers.SettingPrimary care centres, occupational health centres and private care centres in Eastern Finland as well as pharmacies in Finland.Main outcome measuresHealthcare professionals views, practice and general knowledge of nasal irrigation for sinonasal symptoms and conditions.ResultsWe received 595 completed surveys (110 physicians, 485 pharmacists). The majority of the respondents recommended nasal saline irrigation for their patients either as a symptomatic treatment (98.0%) or to treat a specific condition (97.5%) such as acute rhinosinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Nasal saline irrigation was also often recommended as a prophylaxis for airway-infections (71.9%) and to enhance the health of the nasal mucosa (58.2%). In general, the possible adverse effects were recognised poorly by both professions. There was a clear difference between the two professions, as physicians were more conservative in recommending nasal saline irrigation and recognised possible adverse effects, such as epistaxis, pain, and dryness of the nose, better (75% vs. 59%, p = 0.002).ConclusionsNasal saline irrigation seems to be a popular treatment recommended by many health care professionals in Finland. Physicians and pharmaceutical personnel had variable opinions on the indications, utility and risks of nasal saline irrigation. There are also clear differences between physicians and pharmaceutical personnel’s practices. There is a need to better educate professionals about nasal saline irrigation and to further study whether nasal saline irrigation is efficient and safe option for the different common sinonasal conditions.

KEY POINTS

• Little information is available on how physicians and pharmacists recommend nasal saline irrigation as a symptomatic treatment.
• Physicians and pharmacists seem to have variable opinions about the indications, utility and safety of nasal saline irrigation.
• The patient education given is in general very heterogenous.
• Both professions require more education to ensure that the usage remains as safe as possible for the patient.

     

Efficacy and Tolerability of Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin in Neurologic Diseases

PurposeIV immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy has been widely used for the treatment of neurologic disorders, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency-related diseases, blood system diseases, and cancers. In this review, we summarize the efficacy and tolerability of IVIg and SCIg therapy in neurologic diseases.MethodsWe summarized and analyzed the efficacy and tolerability of IVIg and SCIg in neurologic diseases, by analyzing the literature pertaining to the use of IVIg and SCIg to treat nervous system diseases.FindingsIn clinical neurology practice, IVIg has been shown to be useful for the treatment of new-onset or recurrent immune diseases and for long-term maintenance treatment of chronic diseases. Moreover, IVIg may have applications in the management of intractable autoimmune epilepsy, paraneoplastic syndrome, autoimmune encephalitis, and neuromyelitis optica. SCIg is emerging as an alternative to IVIg treatment. Although SCIg has a composition similar to that of IVIg, the applications of this therapy are different. Notably, the bioavailability of SCIg is lower than that of IVIg, but the homeostasis level is more stable. Current studies have shown that these 2 therapies have pharmacodynamic equivalence.ImplicationsIn this review, we explored the efficacy of IVIg in the treatment of various neurologic disorders. IVIg administration still faces many challenges. Thus, it will be necessary to standardize the use of IVIg in the clinical setting. SCIg administration is a novel and feasible treatment option for neurologic and immune-related diseases, such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. As our understanding of the mechanisms of action of IVIg improve, potential next-generation biologics can being developed.     

A case of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis caused by Schizophyllum commune identified in both patient's nasal sputum and veranda's soil samples

This is a case report of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis caused by Schizophyllum commune (S. commune) identified in a patient's nasal mucus and environmental soil sample using (r)DNA sequencing. Although filamentous basidiomycetes, including S. commune, are known as environmental pathogens causing allergic respiratory diseases worldwide, many patients with infections caused by S. commune have not been correctly diagnosed. Repeated exposures to environmental floating fungi supposedly make an easy sensitization and colonization of fungi in the nasal passages, resulting in the onset of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis due to S. commune in our living environments. This report indicates the importance of reconsidering allergic respiratory diseases associated with our living environments.     

Visual analogue scale for sino-nasal symptoms severity correlates with sino-nasal outcome test 22: paving the way for a simple outcome tool of CRS burden

Background

A visual analogue scale (VAS) is a psychometric instrument widely used in the Rhinology field to subjectively quantify patient’s symptoms severity. In allergic rhinitis, VAS has been found to correlate well with the allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma severity classification, as well as with rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire. In chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), total VAS score are often used to classify disease burden into mild, moderate, and severe, with few studies correlating VAS scores with more complex and validated instruments assessing disease-specific burden like Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-22.

Methods

We correlated VAS scores for total and individual sino-nasal symptom with SNOT-22 scores in a randomly selected group of 180 CRS patients. Pearson’s rho was selected as a correlation coefficient for analysis.

Results

VAS scores for total nasal symptom score and individual symptoms correlated significantly with SNOT-22, irrespective of VAS based subclasses for sino-nasal, ocular, and bronchial symptoms.

Conclusions

VAS for total sino-nasal symptom severity might be used for assessing disease severity, monitoring the course of the disease, and can be used for treatment decisions and disease burden.

     

Nasopharyngeal masses mimicking "allergic" nasal symptoms

Patients with chronic nasal congestion can have causes other than allergic and vasomotor rhinitis for their symptoms. Commonly, patients with nasal stuffiness have mechanical factors such as nasal polyps and nasal septal deformities that cause obstruction. Rare causes of nasal symptoms include sarcoidosis, Wegener's granulomatosis, and both benign and malignant tumors. Another uncommon cause of nasal symptoms is obstruction of the nose due to masses in the nasopharynx. In this article, we describe two adult patients with nasopharyngeal masses who had nasal symptoms initially thought to be allergic in origin. Examination of the nasopharynx is an important part of the investigation of patients who have chronic nasal symptoms or atypical manifestations of nasal symptoms.