Local nasal desensitization in allergic rhinitis

Summary Persistent reduction in nasal sensitivity was induced in most subjects suffering from allergic rhinitis by repeated nasal allergen challenge. Patients so treated failed to respond by increases in nasal airways resistance, sneezing or nasal discharge when challenged with doses of allergen which previously provoked such responses. Disodium cromoglycate did not facilitate the induction of local desensitization although it blocked the unpleasant symptoms of nasal challenge. Diminished sensitivity persisted at least for several months and test groups had significantly lower symptom scores during the pollen season when compared with control subjects. It is suggested that a local secretory IgA response may be involved in the reduction in sensitivity.