Nasal mucosa reaction. A model for mucosal reaction during challenge.

Rhinological symptoms in aspects of hyperreactivity and allergy are increasing problems. Previous reports on this subject are based on studies of airway obstruction (rhinomanometry), secreted substances during challenge, and symptom scores. To be able to define and evaluate the pathological reactions in nasal hyperreactivity and allergy, it is necessary to find principles to describe and standardize the reactions of the healthy nasal mucosa. The aim of this study was to examine congestion of the nasal mucosa in healthy volunteers. Existing measuring methods, in this aspect, are either indirect or not accurate enough for this purpose. With the development of rhinostereometry, an optical measuring method, it is possible to record nasal mucosa congestion with high accuracy. A nasal challenge test was made in healthy volunteers with gradually raised concentrations of a histamine solution, which was applied to the inferior concha on the right side. Recordings of the mucosal congestion were made with rhinostereometry. We found that it is possible, with statistical significance, to standardize the reactions of the healthy nasal mucosa: There is no congestion more than 0.4 mm with a histamine concentration of less than 4 mg/ml (p less than 0.05); congestion of more than 0.4 mm is present at histamine concentrations of 16 mg/ml (p less than 0.05).