Background: Nasal allergen challenge (NAC) is useful to study the pathophysiology of rhinitis, and multiple challenges may more adequately approximate natural exposure. Objective: To determine the effect of 4 consecutive daily NAC, on clinical and inflammatory parameters in rhinitics with or without asthma.
The study will be performed outside the pollen season. On a baseline visit, 2 to 7 days prior to control challenge, allergy skin prick tests and methacholine inhalation test will be done. Prior to first allergen challenge, skin titration will be done using tenfold dilutions of the allergen chosen for nasal challenges. Subsequent to baseline visit, a control challenge will be done, followed, a week later, by repeated NACs. NACs will be done over 4 consecutive days, in the morning. Nasal peak inspiratory flows (NPIF), oral peak expiratory flows (PEF), and symptoms will be recorded at baseline and at regular intervals over 7 hours post-challenge on each challenge day. Induced sputum and nasal lavage specimen will be obtained 7 hours following the control challenge and the first and last NAC.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
45
Allergen sprayed into nostrils. Allergen used will be house dust mite or cat allergen. Allergens will be given in increasing ten-fold dilutions until a positive response occurs.
Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec
Québec, Quebec, Canada
Change in Sputum Eosinophils Following Allergen Challenge
Eosinophil is an inflammatory cell found in the lungs. Sputum is obtained from hypertonic inhalation. patients expectorate in a sterile dish and mucus plugs are selected and treated to obtain cells. cells are transferred on a slide and a differential count is obtained where eosinophils are counted.
Time frame: At 7 hours post first and last challenge compared to baseline
Change in Nasal Lavage Eosinophils After Allergen Challenge
Change in nasal lavage eosinophil percentages in allergic asthmatic and allergic non asthmatic at baseline and at 7h post first and last challenge
Time frame: At 7 hours post first and last challenge compared to baseline
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