Arnold's nerve reflex among pollinosis patients: sign of predictable asthma?

Examination of the external auditory canals in a group of 53 asymptomatic (before the season) grass pollen-sensitive patients was performed by means of fiberoptic otoscope. The mechanical irritation of the walls of the auditory canals resulted in a cough reflex in 11 patients. An analysis of the lack or presence of any bronchial symptoms, during or out of season, in the whole group was performed. It was concluded that otorespiratory (or otocough) reflex may be a predictive measure for bronchial symptoms among pollinosis patients. In this aspect, the sensitivity of the test was 50 percent, but its specificity was 92 percent.