Posture and Congestion of Nasal Mucosa in Allergic Rhinitis: Objective Measure of Effect of Specific Treatment

Abstract

In a series of untreated allergic rhinitis head-low position with consequent increase of the hydrostatic pressure of the blood in the nose was followed by congestion of the nasal mucosa. The increase of the nasal airway resistance was measured objectively and was found in 17 of 25 patients, but not in healthy persons. This increase of the airway resistance disappeared with the allergic symptoms after specific desensitization. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism responsible for the mucosal congestion is briefly discussed. Registration of this reaction of the nasal mucosa provides for the first time a simple test for objective evaluation of the effect of specific treatment of allergic rhinitis.