Detection and Use of Nasal Nitrous Oxide and the Electronic Nose

Introduction: Rhinitis, sinonasal polyposis (SP) and asthma are diseases whose pathogenesis is based on inflammation. This will determine the presence of disease, its evolution and its treatment. It is therefore very important to develop and validate methodologies that allow us to noninvasively detect inflammation of the airways. Thus, just as exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been studied as an important non-invasive marker of inflammation of the lower airways, nasal nitric oxide (nNO) may be a good marker of nasal inflammation. Furthermore, the electronic nose is an electronic nanosensor device capable of detecting specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be used as a non-invasive biomarker of biochemical processes in different diseases whose pathophysiology is also based on inflammation. Objective: To determine reference values of nNO and different patterns of VOCs in healthy individuals, individuals with allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis and individuals with SP and asthma. Methodology: Prospective, controlled study. Four groups will be included: Healthy subjects, patients with AR, non-allergic rhinitis and patients with SP and asthma (n=252). Prick-test to pneumoallergens will be performed. Determination of FeNO, nNO, lung function tests, measurement of VOCs by the electronic nose and blood samples will be taken. Bilateral nasal endoscopy and sample collection using the technique of brushing of mucosa and the placement of filter papers, for the study of nasal cytology and mediators of inflammation.