The relevance of hyperresponsiveness but not of atopy to FEV1 decline. Preliminary results in a working population.

Abstract

Five-year FEV1 decline in 329 working men was shown to be significantly related only among eversmokers to methacholine bronchial hyperresponsiveness (assessed at the end of follow-up), allergic rhinitis and rhinitis induced by cold air, independent of asthma and FEV1 level. Positive skin prick test was not associated with FEV1 decline.