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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate respiratory muscle strength in patients with allergic rhinitis. Background Nasal obstruction and mouth breathing have an impact on respiratory muscle behavior, leading to changes in their power. Patients and methods This study included 27 adult patients aged 20–45 years with already diagnosed allergic rhinitis. In addition, 10 healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls were included in this study. Both groups were evaluated for pulmonary functions, including forced vital capacity, slow vital capacity, and respiratory muscle strength as assessed on the basis of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP). Results Patients with allergic rhinitis showed a significant decrease in MIP and MEP when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Patients with allergic rhinitis showed a nonsignificant decrease in other respiratory functions. Patients with allergic rhinitis showed a significant decline in MIP and MEP with age (P < 0.05) and in the female population more than in the male population. The decrease in MIP and MEP was affected by the degree of severity of allergic rhinitis (P < 0.05). Conclusion Patients with allergic rhinitis have decreased respiratory muscle strength as expressed by decreased MIP and MEP. This decrease in MIP and MEP in patients with allergic rhinitis increases after the age of 40, was affected by the degree of severity of allergic rhinitis, and was more pronounced in female patients than in male patients.

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