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The reduction of rhinitis symptoms by nasal filters during natural exposure to ragweed and grass pollen
Author(s) -
O'Meara T. J.,
Sercombe J. K.,
Morgan G.,
Reddel H. K.,
Xuan W.,
Tovey E. R.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00741.x
Subject(s) - medicine , nose , ragweed , placebo , exacerbation , allergen , nasal administration , dermatology , allergy , surgery , immunology , alternative medicine , pathology
Background: Prototype nasal filters were developed to collect inhaled pollen. This study evaluated the efficacy of the filters for prevention of rhinitis symptoms during acute outdoor pollen exposure. Methods: A randomized double‐blind design was used. Subjects ( n = 46) with a history of autumn exacerbation of rhinitis and positive skin test to ragweed, Bermuda and/or Bahia grass wore either active or placebo nasal filters for 2 h in autumn in a park containing these species. Major and Total Symptoms scores were recorded at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Results: Subjects wearing active nasal filters had significantly reduced scores, at all time‐points compared with placebo group (all P < 0.05). Of 14 individual symptoms measured, seven were significantly reduced (number of sneezes, runny nose, itchy nose, sniffles, itchy throat; itchy eyes and watery eyes) and another three showed a trend towards lower severity. The nasal filters also enabled the resolution of existing symptoms. Maximal difference in symptoms was seen immediately after subjects had spent 20 min sitting beside a large patch of ragweed. Conclusion: This is the first clinical trial of a nasal filter. The results suggest it has potential for enhancing rhinitis management during acute allergen exposure.