Can a Nasal Decongestant Test Predict Treatment Outcomes in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis?

Does the Response to a Nasal Decongestant Test Predict the Outcome to Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis With Nasonex?

We hypothesize that those patients with purely seasonal allergic rhinitis will decongest better than those subjects with another cause contributing to their symptoms. These latter patients will not improve as well on an intranasal steroid as those who decongest well, potentially explaining the 60% response rate in prior studies.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Males and females between 18 and 60 years of age.
2. History of grass and/or ragweed allergic rhinitis.
3. Positive skin or RAST test to grass, trees and/or ragweed antigen.
4. Symptomatic at time of entry into study.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Women of childbearing potential not using the contraception method(s) (Birth control pills, depo Provera, double barrier) as well as women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
2. Patients with severe medical condition(s) that in the view of the investigator prohibits participation in the study (heart, lung, kidney, neurological, oncologic or liver disease).
3. Use of any other investigational agent in the last 30 days.
4. Absence of nasal symptoms.
5. Smoking.
6. URI at the time of screening.