Double-blind trial of a heated nasal aerosol in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.

Abstract

The effect of heated, moisturized air, delivered at 40 L/min and 43 degrees C, on allergic rhinitis was evaluated in two studies. In the first study patients with chronic nasal symptoms and long-term exposure to a perennial allergen to which they were sensitive underwent 1 week of baseline observation and 1 week of treatment with either heated or room temperature moisturized air for 30 minutes twice daily. The effect of treatment was assessed by changes in nasal symptoms and nasal blockage index and by a global evaluation by the subjects at the end of the treatment period. In the second study subjects with a documented history of grass or weed pollen allergic rhinitis underwent titrated nasal pollen challenges immediately after treatment with either heated or room temperature moisturized air. The outcome was assessed by the end point of the nasal challenge and change in blockage index at the end point. In both models there was no significant difference in the response between those treated with heated and those treated with room temperature moisturized air. This study did not demonstrate any evidence of a therapeutic effect of heated, moisturized air in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.