BACKGROUND: Variability is present in the expression of the clinical phenotype in cystic fibrosis (CF). Part of this variability may be explained by the coexistence of allergy in CF. OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of allergy in adult CF and evaluate the association between allergy and the manifestations of upper and lower airway disease. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients enrolled in a university hospital adult CF clinic. Allergen specific IgE was determined by radioallergosorbent and skin prick tests to common aeroallergens. We characterized features of upper and lower airway disease by clinical evaluation of rhinitis and spirometry before allergy testing. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 55 patients. Allergen specific IgE was present to at least 1 aeroallergen in 67% by skin prick testing and 80% by radioallergosorbent testing. Rhinitis occurred in 50% of the population and was associated with immediate-type hypersensitivity to aeroallergens other than molds. The frequency of rhinitis increased when there was sensitization to a greater number of aeroallergens and rarely occurred in the absence of allergic sensitization. There was no detectable difference in lung function between those with and without allergic sensitization. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate-type hypersensitivity to aeroallergens commonly occurs in adult CF. The coexistence of allergy in CF is associated with clinical features of rhinitis. Because allergic manifestations of CF warrant appropriate therapy, individuals with CF should be evaluated for coexistent allergy.
BACKGROUND: Variability is present in the expression of the clinical phenotype in cystic fibrosis (CF). Part of this variability may be explained by the coexistence of allergy in CF. OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of allergy in adult CF and evaluate the association between allergy and the manifestations of upper and lower airway disease. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients enrolled in a university hospital adult CF clinic. Allergen specific IgE was determined by radioallergosorbent and skin prick tests to common aeroallergens. We characterized features of upper and lower airway disease by clinical evaluation of rhinitis and spirometry before allergy testing. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 55 patients. Allergen specific IgE was present to at least 1 aeroallergen in 67% by skin prick testing and 80% by radioallergosorbent testing. Rhinitis occurred in 50% of the population and was associated with immediate-type hypersensitivity to aeroallergens other than molds. The frequency of rhinitis increased when there was sensitization to a greater number of aeroallergens and rarely occurred in the absence of allergic sensitization. There was no detectable difference in lung function between those with and without allergic sensitization. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate-type hypersensitivity to aeroallergens commonly occurs in adult CF. The coexistence of allergy in CF is associated with clinical features of rhinitis. Because allergic manifestations of CF warrant appropriate therapy, individuals with CF should be evaluated for coexistent allergy.
Authors: Joseph M Collaco; John McGready; Deanna M Green; Kathleen M Naughton; Christopher P Watson; Timothy Shields; Scott C Bell; Claire E Wainwright; Garry R Cutting Journal: PLoS One Date: 2011-11-18 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Adam J Kimple; Brent A Senior; Edward T Naureckas; David A Gudis; Ted Meyer; Sarah E Hempstead; Helaine E Resnick; Dana Albon; Wayne Barfield; Margo McKenna Benoit; Daniel M Beswick; Eliza Callard; Shelagh Cofer; Veronica Downer; E Claire Elson; Angela Garinis; Ashleigh Halderman; Lisa Hamburger; Meagan Helmick; Michael McCown; Cameron J McKinzie; Hanna Phan; Kenneth Rodriguez; Ronald C Rubenstein; Ashley Severin; Gopi Shah; Ambika Shenoy; Brittney Sprouse; Frank Virgin; Bradford A Woodworth; Stella E Lee Journal: Int Forum Allergy Rhinol Date: 2022-02-22 Impact factor: 5.426