Bronchial responsiveness is related to increased exhaled NO (FE(NO)) in non-smokers and decreased FE(NO) in smokers.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Both atopy and smoking are known to be associated with increased bronchial responsiveness. Fraction of nitric oxide (NO) in the exhaled air (FE(NO)), a marker of airways inflammation, is decreased by smoking and increased by atopy. NO has also a physiological bronchodilating and bronchoprotective role.

Objectives

To investigate how the relation between FE(NO) and bronchial responsiveness is modulated by atopy and smoking habits.

Methods

Exhaled NO measurements and methacholine challenge were performed in 468 subjects from the random sample of three European Community Respiratory Health Survey II centers: Turin (Italy), Gothenburg and Uppsala (both Sweden). Atopy status was defined by using specific IgE measurements while smoking status was questionnaire-asse

SUBMITTER: Malinovschi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3338521 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature