LR is an isotonic solution that has no effect on CBF. Therefore it is probable that this solution is more appropriate than saline for nasal irrigation and nebulization or antral lavage. Moreover, the results of this study suggest that mucolytic effects induced by hyperosmolarity should be attained preferably with hypertonic saline 7% in patients with cystic fibrosis or asthma. At this concentration, the ciliostatic effect is reversible, whereas irreversible changes are to be expected at higher concentrations.

This is the first study that evaluated the relationship between education level and olfaction. According to the results, the cultural differences, education level, and age seemed to influence odor scores. The Sniffin' Sticks test can be used to assess olfactory performance in a Turkish population, but identification of odors in this test battery may show variability because of local and cultural factors.

Our results indicate that sidestream smoking increases the risk of OME and ROM. Legal regulations and guidelines must be established to protect children from passive smoking. Because cotinine urinalysis is a noninvasive and reliable method for the determination of passive smoking, it can be used for that purpose.

The best first-line approach in the management of AR is avoidance of allergens. If environmental modification is ineffective, then the pharmacologic agents should be chosen. For symptoms of rhinorrhea, sneezing, or itching, intranasal cromolyn, with its excellent safety profile, should be considered as first-line therapy. If cromolyn is ineffective or poorly tolerated, first-generation (e.g., chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine) and second generation (e.g., cetirizine and loratadine) antihistamines can be given. Intranasal steroids (e.g., beclomethasone dipropionate, and budesonide) can be added to first-line therapy especially for severe nasal obstruction. There are no epidemiological studies with newer intranasal steroids (e.g., flunisolide, triamcinolone acetonide, fluticasone propionate, and mometasone furoate) during the first trimester of pregnancy. Immunotherapy has not proven to be teratogenic and is clinically useful in improving symptoms. Oral and topical decongestants can be considered as second-line therapy, for short-term relief, when no safer alternative is available.