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Optical rhinometry in nonallergic irritant rhinitis: a capsaicin challenge study
Elton M Lambert1, Chirag B Patel, Samer Fakhri
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Texas Sinus Institute, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX.
International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology
|June 5, 2013
Summary
Optical rhinometry with capsaicin challenge shows promise for diagnosing nonallergic irritant rhinitis (NAIR). This method objectively quantifies patient symptoms, aiding in NAIR diagnosis and potentially monitoring treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Clinical Rhinology
- Diagnostic Methods
Background:
- Nonallergic irritant rhinitis (NAIR) presents subjective symptoms like nasal congestion and irritation.
- Objective diagnostic methods for NAIR are currently lacking.
- This study explored optical rhinometry and capsaicin challenge for NAIR assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of optical rhinometry in conjunction with capsaicin challenge for diagnosing NAIR.
- To compare objective measurements (optical density) with subjective symptom scores (NAS) in NAIR patients and healthy controls.
- To establish correlations between objective and subjective measures.
Main Methods:
- Intranasal capsaicin challenge (0.005 mM to 0.5 mM) was administered to NAIR patients and healthy controls.
- Optical rhinometry measured maximum optical density (OD).
- Numeric analog scores (NAS) quantified nasal congestion, irritation, rhinorrhea, and sneezing.
Main Results:
- Increased capsaicin concentrations led to higher OD in NAIR subjects.
- Significant differences in OD and NAS were observed between NAIR patients and controls at specific capsaicin concentrations.
- A strong correlation between OD and NAS was noted at 0.05 mM capsaicin.
Conclusions:
- Optical rhinometry with capsaicin challenge is a potential objective diagnostic tool for NAIR.
- Further research is warranted to explore its use in monitoring therapeutic responses and understanding NAIR mechanisms.
