Allergic Inflammation in Rhinitis Patients Following Nasal Allergen Challenge

Allergic Inflammation in Rhinitis Patients Following Nasal Allergen Challenge. Impact on Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness and the Effect of Intranasal Corticosteroid Treatment

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition caused by inflammation of nasal mucosa. The study was performed to gain information on this inflammation, including effect of intranasal corticosteroid treatment hereupon and potential influence on the lower airways, ie asthma.

The study was randomised, placebo-controlled double-blind in patients, monoallergic to grasspollen, presenting symptoms of rhinitis and asthma during season.

Treatment,ie intranasal corticosteroid or placebo, were given four weeks. After two weeks of treatment intranasal allergen challenge was performed. Measurements were performed during the full study period.

The study was performed out of pollen season.

Inclusion Criteria:

• monoallergy to grass
• symptoms of allergic rhinitis for at least the two most recent grasspollen seasons
• asthma symptoms of asthma for at least two of the four most recent grasspollen seasons
• age 18 or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy or lactation
• fertile women, not sterilised or using sufficient anticonception
• Corticosteroid treatment (parenteral, oral, inhaled or intranasal) within two months prior to enrolment
• Any other disease, condition or treatment, which to the discretion of the investigator has the potential to interfere with study results