Factors Associated with Nasal Hyperreactivity Among Asthmatic Patients in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Nasal hyperreactivity (NHR) represents a new phenotype of rhinitis that is less known. Data about the frequency of NHR among people with asthma as well as the nature of the triggers are lacking in our setting. Therefore, we aimed to determine the frequency and factors associated with NHR among Congolese asthmatic patients. From February 2020 to April 2021, we carried out a cross-sectional study among asthmatic outpatients who attended the Otorhinolaryngology and Pneumology Departments of the University Hospital of Kinshasa. Sociodemographic, environmental, clinical, biological, and therapeutic variables were evaluated. Of 152 asthmatic outpatients, 53.3% had NHR (112 females). The average age was 45.8 ± 18.3 years, with predominance of people aged between 18 and 45 years. Allergic rhinitis (67.1%) was the most reported comorbidity. Nasal symptomatology was dominated by sneezing (79.6%), stuffy nose (78.9%) and runny nose (68.4%). Dyspnea (86.2%), cough (74.3%) and shortness of breath (74.3%) were the most frequent pulmonary symptoms. The number of nasal stimuli, a change in temperature (humidity) and physical exertion were the main factors associated with NHR in this study. NHR is frequent among asthmatic patients. Studies on the impact of NHR on the control of asthma and bronchial hyperreactivity are needed.