Which conditions can potentially cause a false positive AHR?

A false positive in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) testing can occur due to various factors, and allergic rhinitis is particularly relevant in this context. Individuals with allergic rhinitis can experience increased airway inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity, which can lead to a false positive result when testing for AHR. This condition enhances the sensitivity of the airways to various stimuli, potentially skewing test results.

Smoking also plays a significant role in the respiratory response and may influence AHR results by contributing to airway inflammation, increased bronchial responsiveness, and altered airflow dynamics. Smokers may display airway changes that mimic AHR, leading to difficulty in interpreting results accurately.

Asthma is a condition typically associated with true positive AHR responses rather than false positives, as it inherently involves bronchial hyperreactivity. Diabetes, hypertension, and obesity do not directly influence airway reactivity in the same manner as allergic rhinitis and smoking. Chronic renal failure and hyperthyroidism also do not have a well-established connection to airway hyperresponsiveness. Therefore, the combination of allergic rhinitis and smoking is particularly significant in understanding potential false positives in AHR testing.