Changes in nasal airways resistance on antigenic challenge in allergic rhinitis.

Abstract

The nasal airways resistance changes occurring after challenge with graded doses of antigen have been measured in sixty‐five sensitive subjects. The degree of nasal sensitivity has been compared with skin sensitivity and no clear positive quantitative correlation was found. This lack of correlation is considered to indicate the importance of local IgE production in allergic rhinitis. Some subjects show evidence of local desensitization after several antigen challenges. Possible mechanisms are discussed.