title: Comano thermal water inhalations in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: preliminary results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Comano thermal water, well known for its activity in the treatment of dermatological diseases, has been successfully employed in the treatment of upper airways disorders.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present preliminary study aimed to evaluate whether Comano thermal water may be able to improve nasal symptoms severity in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).
  
  
  METHODS
  30 AR patients were enrolled (mean age 40.9 years; 13 males) and treated with inhalation of Comano thermal water for 15 days. Total symptom score (TSS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for patient's perception of nasal patency were assessed at baseline, after treatment, and after a 2-week follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TSS significantly decreased after treatment as well as VAS significantly increased. The effects were partially long-lasting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Comano thermal water inhalation as monotherapy for AR was able to relieve nasal symptoms and patient's perception of nasal patency.
authors.affiliation: IRCCS-A.O.U. San Martino di Genova, Genoa, Italy. E-mail: gio.cip@libero.it.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ciprandi
authors.affiliation: Istituto G.B. Mattei, Terme di Comano, Trento, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cristofolini
authors.affiliation: Clinica Otorinolaringoiatrica, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mira
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic / Q000628:therapy*; D014867:Water / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014867:Water
keywords: Comano water; allergic rhinitis; crenotherapy; symptoms