Influence of selected factors on peak nasal inspiratory flow readings – Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of selected factors/parameters on peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) in the Polish population as part of the Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland study. Material/methods: The popu¬lation of this study comprised of a group of children aged 6–7 years (n=1123), adolescents aged 13–14 years (n=1136), and adults (n=1876) – all residents of seven large Polish cities. Method – measurement of PNIF. The effect of selected param¬eters on PNIF was measured with translated and validated questionnaires developed for international studies ECRHS II (European Community Respiratory Health Survey II) and ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Child¬hood). Results: Indoor environmental factors including heating with coal, wood or gas significantly increase nasal con¬gestion. In the group of passive smokers, PNIF was lower than in the group of active smokers. PNIF rate decreased with the number of smokers per household. Conclusions: Peak nasal inspiratory flow values were significantly affected by such parameters as selected household environmental factors.