Pathogenesis of rhinitis

Rhinitis is a heterogeneous condition that has been associated with inflammatory responses as in allergic rhinitis but can also occur in the absence of inflammation such as in so‐called idiopathic (previously ‘vasomotor’) rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis affects approximately one in four of the population of westernized countries and is characterized by typical symptoms of nasal itching, sneezing, watery discharge and congestion. The intention of this review is to illustrate key concepts of the pathogenesis of rhinitis. Imbalance in innate and adaptive immunity together with environmental factors is likely to play major roles. In allergic rhinitis, initial allergen exposure and sensitization involves antigen‐presenting cells, T and B lymphocytes and results in the generation of allergen‐specific T cells and allergen‐specific IgE antibodies. On re‐exposure to relevant allergens, cross‐linking of IgE on mast cells results in the release of mediators of hypersensitivity such as histamine and immediate nasal symptoms. Within hours, there is an infiltration by inflammatory cells, particularly Th2 T lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils into nasal mucosal tissue that results in the late‐phase allergic response. Evidence for nasal priming and whether or not remodelling may be a feature of allergic rhinitis will be reviewed. The occurrence of so‐called local allergic rhinitis in the absence of systemic IgE will be discussed. Non‐allergic (non‐IgE‐mediated) rhinitis will be considered in the context of inflammatory and non‐inflammatory disorders.     

Local IgE production and positive nasal provocation test in patients with persistent nonallergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, which is usually diagnosed by typical symptoms, positive skin tests, and/or serum specific IgE antibodies to allergens. Despite suggestive symptoms of allergic rhinitis, some patients have a negative diagnostic test for atopy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in the nose the inflammatory response, specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP), and the response to a nasal allergen provocation test with DP (NAPT-DP), in patients with persistent nonallergic rhinitis (PNAR) compared with patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) and healthy controls. METHODS: Fifty patients with PNAR, 30 with PAR to DP, and 30 healthy controls were studied by determining the nasal leukocyte-lymphocyte phenotype by flow cytometry (CD16, CD8, CD4, CD33, CD3, and CD45), nasal eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), albumin, total and specific IgE to DP, and NAPT-DP. RESULTS: The PNAR patients showed a similar leukocyte-lymphocyte phenotype in nasal lavage to the PAR patients and was different to the healthy controls. Within the PNAR group, 54% showed a positive NAPT-DP, with 22% of these having nasal specific IgE to DP. CONCLUSION: These data support the hypothesis that in persistent nonallergic rhinitis some patients may have local inflammation, nasal IgE production, and a positive response to a nasal allergen provocation test despite no evidence of systemic atopy. Further research is needed to evaluate the influence of other perennial allergens and/or immunologic mechanisms. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The local production of IgE antibodies without systemic detection is a condition that should be considered in patients with PNAR.     

Safety and efficacy of olopatadine hydrochloride nasal spray for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis to mountain cedar.

BACKGROUND: A nasal spray containing the antiallergy agent olopatadine hydrochloride is being developed for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) to mountain cedar. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 2 concentrations of olopatadine nasal spray vs placebo nasal spray in patients with SAR to mountain cedar. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After a 3- to 21-day placebo run-in, 677 patients aged 12 to 81 years were randomized to receive 0.4% or 0.6% olopatadine or placebo, 2 sprays per nostril twice daily for 2 weeks. Patients evaluated morning and evening reflective and instantaneous nasal symptoms (sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, and itchy nose, which compose the total nasal symptom score [TNSS]) and ocular symptoms. RESULTS: Olopatadine spray (0.4% and 0.6%) was statistically significantly superior to placebo for percentage change from baseline in overall reflective and instantaneous TNSSs. Also, 0.6% olopatadine was statistically significantly superior to placebo for reducing the reflective and instantaneous assessments of sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and watery eyes. Olopatadine spray exhibited a safety profile comparable with that of placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Olopatadine nasal spray (0.4% and 0.6%) provided statistically significant improvements in allergic rhinitis symptoms compared with placebo regarding TNSSs and individual symptoms, including congestion, itchy and runny nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes, in patients with SAR to mountain cedar. Olopatadine nasal spray administered twice daily was safe and well tolerated in adolescents and adults.     

IgE to food allergens are highly prevalent in patients allergic to pollens, with and without symptoms of food allergy

Serum samples from 274 patients allergic to one or more of three pollens (birch, grass, mugwort), from 36 patients allergic to cat and/or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus but not to pollen and from 55 non-allergic controls, as well as 20 cord blood samples, were examined for specific IgE to six ‘pollen-associated’ food allergens In uiing a new sensitive assay (CAP). A questionnaire asking for reactions to food was also sent to all patients. In the pollen group, 111 patients (47%) were positive (≥0.71 kU/l) fora food allergen (392 positive tests). Of these, 92 were sensitive to apple, 68 to potato, 64 to carrot, 63 to celery, 61 to peach and 44 to melon. In the non-allergic group, no IgE to any of the food allergens tested was found, whereas in the group allergic to non-pollen allergens, only one individual had such an IgE. The CAP assay was found to he more sensitive than RAST for the allergens studied. A history of clinical reactions (oral symptoms in 67, rhinoconjunctivitis in 65, asthma in 42 and urticaria in 39) to the corresponding food allergen was reported mainly by patients with positive CAP. In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of IgE to some food allergens in patients allergic to pollen and Ihe absence of such antibodies in the control groups. The new in vitro assay, being moresensitue than previous ones, indicated a high prevalence of food specific IgE in pollen allergic patients, which in many cases did not correspond to clinical symptoms of food allergy.     

Omalizumab is more effective than suplatast tosilate in the treatment of Japanese cedar pollen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis

Background Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) induced by Japanese cedar pollens is a major problem in Japan. Omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody, improves symptoms associated with SAR, but a comparative study with an anti‐allergy drug has not yet been conducted. Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of omalizumab with suplatast tosilate, a selective T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine inhibitor, in patients with Japanese cedar pollen‐induced SAR. Methods A randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy study was conducted in 308 Japanese patients with a history of moderate‐to‐severe SAR who showed a CAP‐RAST value (2+) specifically to Japanese cedar pollens. Patients were treated for 12 weeks with omalizumab plus placebo of suplatast tosilate or suplatast tosilate plus placebo of omalizumab. Results The mean daily nasal symptom medication scores (sum of the daily nasal symptom severity score and daily nasal rescue medication score) were significantly lower in the omalizumab group than in the suplatast tosilate group during three evaluation periods (P<0.001). The omalizumab group also had significantly lower mean daily nasal severity scores, each of the mean daily nasal and ocular symptom severity scores (sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and red eyes). Omalizumab reduced rescue medication requirements, and the proportion of days with any rescue medication use in the omalizumab group was significantly lower. Serum‐free IgE levels markedly decreased in the omalizumab group and it was associated with clinical efficacy. The adverse reaction profiles were similar between the two groups. The overall incidence of injection site reactions was higher in the omalizumab group than in the suplatast tosilate group, but all these events were of mild degree. No anti‐omalizumab antibodies were detected. Conclusion Omalizumab showed significantly greater improvements than suplatast tosilate in the treatment of SAR induced by Japanese cedar pollens.     

Local IgE in non‐allergic rhinitis

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is characterized by the presence of a nasal Th2 inflammatory response with local production of specific IgE antibodies and a positive response to a nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) without evidence of systemic atopy. The prevalence has been shown to be up to 25% in subjects affected with rhinitis with persistence, comorbidity and evolution similar to allergic rhinitis. LAR is a consistent entity that does not evolve to allergic rhinitis with systemic atopy over time although patients have significant impairment in quality of life and increase in the severity of nasal symptoms over time. Lower airways can be also involved. The diagnosis of LAR is based mostly on demonstration of positive response to NAPT and/or local synthesis of specific IgE. Allergens involved include seasonal or perennial such as house dusts mites, pollens, animal epithelia, moulds (alternaria) and others. Basophils from peripheral blood may be activated by the involved allergens suggesting the spill over of locally synthesized specific IgE to the circulation. LAR patients will benefit from the same treatment as allergic patients using antihistamines, inhaled corticosteroids and IgE antagonists. Studies on immunotherapy are ongoing and will determine its efficacy in LAR in terms of symptoms improvement and evolution of the natural course of the disease.     

Neural hyperresponsiveness and nerve growth factor in allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: In allergic rhinitis, symptoms are triggered not only by allergens but also by environmental irritants. Hereinafter we address the hypothesis that this is reflective of increased responsiveness of the neural apparatus which, in turn, may be attributable to upregulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) in this disease. METHODS: We compared subjects with active allergic rhinitis and healthy volunteers in terms of sensitivity and/or magnitude of three nerve-mediated responses, namely (1) the sneezing reflex induced by histamine, (2) the central or nasonasal reflex depicted by contralateral secretions induced by unilateral nasal challenge with capsaicin, and (3) the axonal reflex depicted by plasma extravasation upon capsaicin challenge. We have also measured NGF levels in nasal lavage fluids at baseline and with allergen provocation in rhinitis and healthy subjects. RESULTS: Compared to healthy individuals, subjects with active allergic rhinitis were found to have (1) significantly greater sensitivity and reactivity of the sneezing reflex, (2) significantly greater secretory responsiveness to sensory nerve stimulation, and (3) significantly greater plasma extravasation indicated by albumin leakage following capsaicin nasal challenge. We also found that subjects with active allergic rhinitis have significantly greater baseline levels of NGF in nasal lavage fluids compared to their healthy counterparts, and that these levels can be increased by allergen nasal provocation. CONCLUSION: The responsiveness of the neural apparatus of the nose is significantly greater in patients with active allergic rhinitis. The increased presence of NGF in the nasal mucosa of these patients supports the hypothesis that this neurotrophin may be implicated in neural hyperresponsiveness.     

Management of rhinitis: allergic and non-allergic

RHINITIS IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM AND IS DEFINED AS THE PRESENCE OF AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction. The two major classifications are allergic and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). Allergic rhinitis occurs when an allergen is the trigger for the nasal symptoms. NAR is when obstruction and rhinorrhea occurs in relation to nonallergic, noninfectious triggers such as change in the weather, exposure to caustic odors or cigarette smoke, barometric pressure differences, etc. There is a lack of concomitant allergic disease, determined by negative skin prick test for relevant allergens and/or negative allergen-specific antibody tests. Both are highly prevalent diseases that have a significant economic burden on society and negative impact on patient quality of life. Treatment of allergic rhinitis includes allergen avoidance, antihistamines (oral and intranasal), intranasal corticosteroids, intranasal cromones, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and immunotherapy. Occasional systemic corticosteroids and decongestants (oral and topical) are also used. NAR has 8 major subtypes which includes nonallergic rhinopathy (previously known as vasomotor rhinitis), nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia, atrophic rhinitis, senile rhinitis, gustatory rhinitis, drug-induced rhinitis, hormonal-induced rhinitis, and cerebral spinal fluid leak. The mainstay of treatment for NAR are intranasal corticosteroids. Topical antihistamines have also been found to be efficacious. Topical anticholinergics such as ipratropium bromide (0.03%) nasal spray are effective in treating rhinorrhea symptoms. Adjunct therapy includes decongestants and nasal saline. Investigational therapies in the treatment of NAR discussed include capsaicin, silver nitrate, and acupuncture.     

Nasal symptoms in persons with normal nose]

BACKGROUND: Nasal symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy nose and runny nose occur in allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. Normal nose also sometimes has these symptoms. It is necessary to define what is the symptom of normal nose in order to make a proper diagnosis of rhinitis, grading of severity of nasal symptom in rhinitis and criteria of normalization after the treatment of rhinitis. METHODS: 235 persons who had no perceptive nasal symptom and history of nasal disease at present and past, and cold at present, were sampled from the registered list of a health care organization, and examined their nasal symptom by mailing a self-administered questionnaire of nasal symptom. In addition, 54 patients, who visited 4 otolarngology clinics due to diseases other than rhinitis and were diagnosed as normal nose, were examined, using the same questionnaire. RESULTS: Response rate from persons mailed was 49.8%. Nasal symptom was infrequent in patients at clinic more than persons sampled from the list. Nasal symptom in 117 responders with normal nose had none or occasional and momentary stuffy nose. Sneezing and/or nose blow was less than 5 times a day, and itchy nose and postnasal drip were 30% and 25% respectively. These symptoms, if appeared, were less than 4 days per week. CONCLUSION: Grading "minus", normal, is zero in sneezing and runny nose and none in stuffy nose in the grading system of nasal symptom used commonly in Japan. These should be changed to none or occasional, momentary, easily tolerable in stuffy nose, less than once a day or grading "plus one" (1-5 times per day) occasionally in sneezing and nose blow. Normalization after treatment could be defined according to this change.     

Grass allergen tablet immunotherapy relieves individual seasonal eye and nasal symptoms, including nasal blockage

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of allergic rhinitis have a considerable impact on the quality of life of the sufferer. Sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose and headache are some of the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which affects work, home and social life for many patients. Sublingual immunotherapy has shown to induce a protective immune response and provide sustained symptom prevention for allergic patients. AIMS OF THE TRIAL: The overall aims were to investigate the efficacy and safety of a sublingual grass allergen tablet (Grazax) 75 000 SQ-T; ALK-Abelló A/S, Denmark). Reported here are the effects of Grazax on individual eye and nasal symptoms. METHODS: The trial was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial including 634 participants with significant rhinoconjunctivitis because of grass pollen. Participants were randomized 1 : 1 to Grazax (a fast dissolving, once daily immunotherapy tablet for home administration) or placebo and received treatment for at least 16 weeks prior to and continuing during the grass pollen season of 2005. Four nasal symptoms and two eye symptoms were scored on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (severe symptoms) every day during the entire grass pollen season. Nasal symptoms included runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing and itchy nose; eye symptoms included gritty feeling/red/itchy eyes and watery eyes. RESULTS: Consistent and highly significant reductions in individual eye and nasal symptoms (from 22 to 44%) were observed following treatment with Grazax as compared with placebo (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Grazax has effects on multiple allergic symptoms, including nasal blockage, and is an effective treatment of rhinoconjunctivitis, thereby reducing the need for topical anti-allergic drugs.     

Some immunological aspects of patients with rhinitis in Lebanon

Background: Hitherto immunological determinates in Lebanese patients with rhinitis have not been investigated.

Objective: To identify causative allergens in Lebanese patients with allergic rhinitis and determine possible correlation's among serum allergen specific antibody, polyclonal IgE, IL-4, IL-5 and peripheral eosinophil levels.

Methods: One hundred and thirteen patients with a long lasting history of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal itching were investigated. Serum allergen specific antibodies using a panel of 10 potential allergens, IL-4 and IL-5 levels were determined by enzyme immunoassays. Polyclonal IgE levels were estimated by an immunochromatographic assay and eosinophil counts by a Coulter STKS counter.

Results: Based on the presence of serum allergen-specific IgE antibodies, 74 patients were considered to have an allergic etiology. Polyclonal IgE levels were elevated in 41 of the 74 allergic rhinitis patients while the other 33 patients had normal serum levels. In the remaining 39 specific IgE antibody-negative patients, 32 had normal, and 7 had elevated, polyclonal IgE levels. IgE specific antibodies to more than one allergen were detected in 59 of 74 patients. The most common causative allergens were mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dpt (83.8%) and Dermatophagoides farinae, Df (78.4%). Analysis of the data indicated that elevated polyclonal IgE levels correlated with the concentration of serum specific IgE antibodies and the number of the detected causative allergens per patient. Fifty-nine of 74 allergic rhinitis patients had elevated IL-4 levels and 44 had elevated IL-5 levels. The number of allergic patients with both elevated IL-4 and IL-5 levels was 24. Finally, only 9 allergic rhinitis patients had peripheral eosinophilia.

Conclusion: Mite Dpt and Df were the most common causative agents of allergic rhinitis in the Lebanese group studied. A prerequisite for Specific Immunotherapy is the identification of the causative allergen. Determinations of polyclonal IgE level and peripheral eosinophil count alone, as an aid to diagnosis are insufficient and may be misleading. On the other hand, determination of all the parameters studied in conjunction appears to be of diagnostic value.     

Optimizing treatment options

Full and accurate diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is important as a basis for treatment decisions, as many nasal disorders have similar signs and symptoms. Optimal allergen avoidance is the starting point of treatment, so causative allergens need to be identified. Oral antihistamines are effective in relieving the majority of symptoms of allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, but provide only partial relief from nasal congestion. Topical α-adrenergic decongestants help to relieve congestion, but prolonged use leads to rhinitis medicamentosa. Systemic decongestants are less effective than topical agents and their use is limited by systemic and central side-effects. The value of leukotriene antagonists has yet to be fully evaluated. Intranasal ipratropium bromide helps to control watery secretions, and an aerosol may be more effective than an aqueous solution. Topical glucocorticosteroids, such as triamcinolone, are the most potent and effective agents available for treating allergic rhinitis. The available evidence indicates that there is very little systemic absorption. Sodium cromoglycate is effective in allergic rhinitis, though less so than topical steroids, and has the least adverse effects among the antiallergic agents. Immunotherapy can be effective and may be indicated in individuals who cannot avoid the causative allergen. Special considerations apply to the treatment of allergic rhinitis in elderly or pregnant patients. Finally, patients with long-standing allergic conditions should be re-assessed regularly.     

SOME IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF PATIENTS WITH RHINITIS IN LEBANON

ABSTRACT

Background: Hitherto immunological determinates in Lebanese patients with rhinitis have not been investigated.

Objective: To identify causative allergens in Lebanese patients with allergic rhinitis and determine possible correlation's among serum allergen specific antibody, polyclonal IgE, IL-4, IL-5 and peripheral eosinophil levels.

Methods: One hundred and thirteen patients with a long lasting history of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal itching were investigated. Serum allergen specific antibodies using a panel of 10 potential allergens, IL-4 and IL-5 levels were determined by enzyme immunoassays. Polyclonal IgE levels were estimated by an immunochromatographic assay and eosinophil counts by a Coulter STKS counter.

Results: Based on the presence of serum allergen-specific IgE antibodies, 74 patients were considered to have an allergic etiology. Polyclonal IgE levels were elevated in 41 of the 74 allergic rhinitis patients while the other 33 patients had normal serum levels. In the remaining 39 specific IgE antibody-negative patients, 32 had normal, and 7 had elevated, polyclonal IgE levels. IgE specific antibodies to more than one allergen were detected in 59 of 74 patients. The most common causative allergens were mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dpt (83.8%) and Dermatophagoides farinae, Df (78.4%). Analysis of the data indicated that elevated polyclonal IgE levels correlated with the concentration of serum specific IgE antibodies and the number of the detected causative allergens per patient. Fifty-nine of 74 allergic rhinitis patients had elevated IL-4 levels and 44 had elevated IL-5 levels. The number of allergic patients with both elevated IL-4 and IL-5 levels was 24. Finally, only 9 allergic rhinitis patients had peripheral eosinophilia.

Conclusion: Mite Dpt and Df were the most common causative agents of allergic rhinitis in the Lebanese group studied. A prerequisite for Specific Immunotherapy is the identification of the causative allergen. Determinations of polyclonal IgE level and peripheral eosinophil count alone, as an aid to diagnosis are insufficient and may be misleading. On the other hand, determination of all the parameters studied in conjunction appears to be of diagnostic value.     

第2组先天性淋巴细胞在变应性鼻炎先天性和适应性免疫应答中的作用

变应性鼻炎(AR)是特异性个体在环境过敏原暴露后出现鼻塞、清涕、喷嚏、鼻痒的变态反应性疾病.第2组先天性淋巴细胞(ILC2s)是先天性免疫家族新成员,通过与免疫细胞相互作参与先天性和适应性免疫反应诱导多种变应性疾病.ILC2s数量与AR的严重程度相关,可通过多种效应途径促进Th2细胞因子及IgE在鼻黏膜大量分泌介导鼻部...     

Nasal filters: a novel approach to tackling allergic rhinitis

More than 300 million individuals in industrialized countries suffer from allergic rhinitis. Rhinitis is a disease characterized by stuffy or runny nose, followed by red, itchy watering eyes and repeated sneezing. But more common problems for rhinitis patients are the overlooked social difficulties, with the majority reporting tiredness, feeling miserable or irritable. Often, medication is not able to adequately control symptoms and there is a need for other aids against the disease. Here, we describe the current situation after five trials using nasal filters in the remediation of seasonal allergic rhinitis.     

氯雷他定联合孟鲁司特钠辅助布地奈德治疗对变应性鼻炎患者炎性细胞及因子表达水平的影响分析

目的 研究氯雷他定联合孟鲁司特钠辅助布地奈德对老年季节性变应性鼻炎患者鼻腔EOS阳性率、IgE及炎性因子水平的影响.方法 选择2014年1月至2015年12月在我院接受治疗的老年季节性变应性鼻炎患者160例.用随机数表法分为对照组和实验组,每组各80例,对照组患者给予布地奈德鼻喷剂治疗,实验组患者在对照组的基础上加用氯雷他定和孟鲁司特钠治疗.比较两组患者的症状评分、鼻腔EOS阳性率、血清特异性IgE和血清炎性因子水平.结果 治疗后两组患者的鼻塞、流涕、鼻痒、喷嚏症状评分明显降低,实验组患者的以上评分低于对照组(P＜0.05).治疗后两组患者的鼻腔EOS阳性率和血清特异性IgE水平明显下降,实验组患者的鼻腔EOS阳性率和血清特异性IgE水平低于对照组(P＜0.05).治疗后两组患者的IL-6、IL-8水平明显降低,IL-10水平升高,实验组患者的炎性因子水平变化更明显(P＜0.05).两组患者在治疗过程中未见明显不良反应,治疗后4周肝、肾功能正常.结论 氯雷他定联合孟鲁司特钠辅助布地奈德可以明显缓解老年季节性变应性鼻炎患者的症状,降低血清特异性IgE及鼻腔内分泌EOS阳性率,减轻炎症反应.     

Therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Purpose

Allergic rhinitis is clinically defined as a disorder of the nose induced by IgE mediated inflammation after allergen exposure of the nasal mucosa. Many reports have stated that Panax ginseng and fermented red ginseng have anti-inflammatory effects, especially against Th2-type inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis.

Methods

In this 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 59 patients with persistent perennial allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into two groups: those receiving fermented red ginseng tablets (experimental group) and those receiving placebo (control group). The primary efficacy variable was the total nasal symptom score (TNSS; rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion). Secondary efficacy variables were the Rhinitis Quality of Life (RQoL) score and skin reactivity to inhalant allergens, as determined by the skin prick test.

Results

There was no significant difference in the TNSS score and TNSS duration score between the experimental and placebo groups in weeks 1, 2, 3, or 4. For nasal congestion, fermented red ginseng was significantly effective (P<0.005), while placebo caused no change. The activity and emotion of RQoL improved markedly secondary to treatment with fermented red ginseng (P<0.05), while placebo caused no change. Additionally, fermented red ginseng reduced skin reactivity to sensitized perennial allergens (P<0.05). Fermented red ginseng was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Fermented red ginseng improved nasal congestion symptoms and RQoL in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.     

Management of rhinitis – the specialist's opinion

The aim of the guidelines in the International Consensus Report on the Diagnosis and Management of Rhinitis was to aid general practitioners (GPs) in the treatment of mild or moderate cases of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and non-allergic rhinitis. After the initial strategy of allergen avoidance, GPs have several medications at their disposal. For mild or occasional symptoms of SAR, an oral H₁-antihistamine or topical antihistamines or chromones are advised. For moderate symptoms, a topical nasal steroid can be used with or without an oral H₁-antihistamine supplemented if necessary with a topical antihistamine or chromone eyedrops. For PAR, patients should be advised on how to minimize their exposure to house-dust mite (HDM) allergens. For intermittent symptoms, an oral H₁-antihistamine and an occasional oral decongestant can be used. For persistent symptoms, a topical nasal steroid is advised, possibly supplemented with an antihistamine. For non-allergic rhinitis, irritant factors should be identified and avoided if possible. Topical or oral decongestants can be used for intermittent symptoms. Topical ipratropium bromide is useful for drying up watery rhinorrhea. For moderate symptoms, either a topical nasal steroid or topical ipratropium bromide should be used. For all the conditions, if treatment proves ineffective and symptoms are severe, then a specialist referral is appropriate. Investigations are conducted to identify causative allergens. Further treatment options include immunotherapy and minimal invasive surgery. A large clinical study is ongoing to validate the guidelines and enable the development of simpler therapeutic options according to symptom severity. In the meantime, the current guidelines provide a valuable guide to both the GP and the specialist.     

Paediatric rhinitis: position paper of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Rhinitis is a common problem in childhood and adolescence and impacts negatively on physical, social and psychological well‐being. This position paper, prepared by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Taskforce on Rhinitis in Children, aims to provide evidence‐based recommendations for the diagnosis and therapy of paediatric rhinitis. Rhinitis is characterized by at least two nasal symptoms: rhinorrhoea, blockage, sneezing or itching. It is classified as allergic rhinitis, infectious rhinitis and nonallergic, noninfectious rhinitis. Similar symptoms may occur with other conditions such as adenoidal hypertrophy, septal deviation and nasal polyps. Examination by anterior rhinoscopy and allergy tests may help to substantiate a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Avoidance of relevant allergens may be helpful for allergic rhinitis (AR). Oral and intranasal antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are both appropriate for first‐line AR treatment although the latter are more effective. Once‐daily forms of corticosteroids are preferred given their improved safety profile. Potentially useful add‐on therapies for AR include oral leukotriene receptor antagonists, short bursts of a nasal decongestant, saline douches and nasal anticholinergics. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy is helpful in IgE‐mediated AR and may prevent the progression of allergic disease. There are still a number of areas that need to be clarified in the management of rhinitis in children and adolescents.     

Local mucosal immunoglobulin E production: does allergy exist in non‐allergic rhinitis?

In this review, we critically evaluate the evidence for local IgE production in allergic rhinitis mucosa and the concept of local allergy in non-atopic idiopathic rhinitis. Significantly, fewer studies have focused on the disease pathways associated with non-allergic rhinitis compared with their allergic counterparts. Recently, there's been a revival of the hypothesis concerning the existence of local tissue-specific allergic disease confined to the nasal mucosa of some systemically non-atopic rhinitis subjects. Providing the evidence for local mucosal IgE production in allergic rhinitis is a pre-requisite to reviewing its existence in non-allergic rhinitis. In addition, practical and theoretical approaches useful in the detection of allergy in non-allergic rhinitis will be discussed. Furthermore, successful therapeutic regimens used in the treatment of non-allergic rhinitis will be examined as these could provide an insight into the underlying pathophysiology of this common but poorly understood disease.