Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
08:47
Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
Relationship between rhinitis duration and response to nasal decongestion test
Giorgio Ciprandi1, Angela Pistorio, Mariangela Tosca
1Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, Genoa, Italy. gio.cip@libero.it
The Laryngoscope
|April 22, 2008
Summary
The duration of persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) significantly impacts nasal airflow. Longer rhinitis duration leads to a reduced response in nasal decongestion tests, indicating functional impairment.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Allergology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Nasal obstruction is a common symptom of allergic inflammation.
- Persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) can lead to significant functional consequences.
- Decongestion tests assess the reversibility of nasal airflow limitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of rhinitis duration on the response to nasal decongestion tests in patients with PER.
- To determine if longer durations of PER correlate with altered nasal airflow dynamics.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 312 patients with moderate-to-severe PER.
- Evaluation included clinical history, physical examination, nasal endoscopy, skin prick testing, rhinomanometry, and nasal decongestion testing.
- Analysis focused on the correlation between rhinitis duration and changes in nasal airflow post-decongestion.
Main Results:
- A strong inverse correlation (Pearson's r = -0.81) was found between rhinitis duration in years and the percentage change in nasal airflow after the decongestion test.
- This indicates that longer-standing rhinitis is associated with a diminished response to decongestants.
Conclusions:
- The duration of persistent allergic rhinitis is a critical factor influencing nasal airflow.
- Prolonged PER can progressively impair the nasal airway's response to decongestion challenges.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants
Decongestants are a class of medications used primarily to alleviate nasal congestion, a common symptom resulting from allergies, colds, sinusitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. These drugs work by activating α-adrenergic receptors, constricting small blood vessels in the nasal membranes. This action results in the opening of clogged nasal passages, thereby facilitating sinus drainage and relieving congestion.
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in various...
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in various...
01:16Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
01:30Epistaxis
Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, occurs when small, swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane rupture. Typically, the anterior septum is the primary site of occurrence.
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
01:29Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), or Type IV hypersensitivity, is a cell-mediated immune response. It occurs when T cells, rather than antibodies, mediate a reaction to specific antigens. It is characterized by a delayed onset (1-2 days) and involves the recruitment of macrophages to the inflammation site.The initiation of a DTH response begins with the sensitization of T cells. During this phase, which lasts at least 1-2 weeks, antigen-specific T cells are activated, clonally expanded, and...