Nasal application of immunotherapy.
BACKGROUND
In patients with allergic rhinitis local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) appears to offer considerable advantages over other hyposensitization methods. The aim of our study was to obtain further confirmation of the validity of LNIT.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of LNIT in patients allergic to Parietaria and Dermathophagoides was performed. Patients were evaluated, before and after treatment, with symptom and medication scores, specific nasal provocation tests, anterior rhinomanometry and mucociliary clearance time.


RESULTS
Compared to placebo the clinical efficacy of LNIT was confirmed by a reduction of clinical symptoms and drug intake. In the active group the reduction of allergen-specific nasal reactivity was significant. No local or systemic side effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical efficacy of LNIT suggests that this therapy is effective in the prophylaxis of allergic rhinitis. Finally, there is no conflict between LNIT and drug treatment.
Ascione
E
E
ENT Institute, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
De Lucia
A
A
Imperiali
M
M
Varricchio
A
A
Motta
G
G
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000628:therapy*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000628:therapy*
D000485:Allergens