Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
Nasal rinsing with an atomized spray improves mucociliary clearance and clinical symptoms during peak grass pollen
Background:
Nasal rinsing with an atomizer spray was found to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Two parameters express the nasal functions: (1) mucociliary clearance (MCC), and (2) the pH and its stability. MCC is the main factor that defines the time of pollen transition on the nasal mucosa and, therefore, the amount of the allergen glycoprotein elution.
Objective:
We hypothesized that the nasal wash efficacy could be due to the reduction of contact time of the grass pollen on the nasal mucosa (improving MCC).
Methods:
Forty patients with seasonal grass pollen oculorhinitis were randomized in two groups: 20 received three times daily nasal rinsing with hypertonic solution buffered to pH 6.1, before and during the peak pollen season in 2015 (active group), and another 20 patients were allocated to the control group and received no nasal treatment. The daily symptoms score and the use of oral antihistamines when required were evaluated during the grass pollen peak season. All the patients completed the study.
Results:
In comparison with the control group, in the active group, a significant decrease of both nasal symptoms (p = 0.01) and consumption of antihistamines (p = 0.035) was found. Furthermore, the MCC was significantly worse (p = 0.011) only in the control group.
Conclusion:
The nasal treatment maintained the efficiency of the MCC in the patients in the active group, who showed a significant reduction of symptoms and medication score. The MCC decreased the transit time of the pollen on the nasal mucosa, which favored an elution of the allergenic proteins.
Insights
Nasal rinsing with a buffered hypertonic solution significantly reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms and antihistamine use by improving mucociliary clearance (MCC). This treatment maintained nasal function, decreasing pollen contact time and allergen elution.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Rhinology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis is often treated with nasal rinsing.
- Nasal function is assessed by mucociliary clearance (MCC) and pH stability.
- MCC influences allergen contact time and elution on the nasal mucosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if nasal rinsing improves allergic rhinitis by enhancing MCC.
- To test the hypothesis that reduced pollen contact time reduces symptom severity.
Main Methods:
- Forty patients with grass pollen allergic rhinitis were randomized into active (nasal rinsing) and control groups.
- The active group received daily hypertonic saline rinses buffered to pH 6.1.
- Symptoms and antihistamine use were monitored during the pollen season.
Main Results:
- The active group showed significant reductions in nasal symptoms (p=0.01) and antihistamine use (p=0.035).
- Mucociliary clearance (MCC) worsened significantly only in the control group (p=0.011).
- Nasal treatment maintained MCC efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Nasal rinsing with buffered hypertonic solution effectively reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms and medication needs.
- The treatment preserved MCC, reducing pollen-nasal mucosa contact time and allergen elution.
- Improved MCC is a key mechanism for nasal rinsing efficacy in allergic rhinitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
01:23Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
01:23Inhaled Medications
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:27Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in...