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Nasal response to allergen and hyperosmolar challenge.
M C Krayenbuhl1, B N Hudspith, G K Scadding
1Department of Immunology, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, London, U.K.
Clinical Allergy
|March 1, 1988
Summary
A simple nasal provocation test can aid in diagnosing allergic rhinitis. Measuring a drop in nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF) after house dust mite (HDM) allergen challenge helps identify sensitivity, improving rhinitis diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Diagnostic Methods
Background:
- Rhinitis presents significant clinical and social challenges, often leading to underdiagnosis in practice.
- Accurate diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a simplified nasal provocation test for diagnosing rhinitis, specifically house dust mite (HDM) sensitivity.
- To establish a scoring system for allergic rhinitis diagnosis based on objective measurements.
Main Methods:
- Assessed nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF) changes following nasal allergen challenge (house dust mite).
- Evaluated rhinitis symptoms like sneezing and rhinorrhoea post-challenge.
- Investigated non-specific nasal reactivity using hyperosmolar solutions.
Main Results:
- Patients with HDM sensitivity showed a significant fall in NIPF after allergen challenge.
- Control subjects and pollen-sensitive patients did not exhibit this NIPF drop with HDM.
- Allergic subjects demonstrated NIPF reduction with hyperosmolar challenge, indicating non-specific reactivity.
Conclusions:
- A fall in NIPF during nasal allergen challenge is a reliable indicator of allergic rhinitis.
- The proposed simplified scoring system aids in diagnosing allergic rhinitis.
- Nasal provocation tests offer a valuable diagnostic tool for rhinitis assessment.