Metabolomics of nasal lavage fluid in patients with allergic rhinitis treated by Xiaoqinglong Decoction / 中国中药杂志

This study used nasal lavage fluid for metabolomics to explore its feasibility, and applied it to the clinical metabolomics study of Xiaoqinglong Decoction in the treatment of allergic rhinitis(AR), aiming to investigate the molecular mechanism of Xiaoqing-long Decoction in the treatment of AR through differential changes in local nasal metabolism. AR patients were selected as the research subjects, and nasal lavage fluid was collected as the sample. Metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed on normal group, AR group, and Xiaoqinglong Decoction group. The differences in metabolic profiles among the groups were compared using principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis, and differential metabolites were identified and subjected to corresponding metabolic pathway analysis. The results showed that Xiaoqinglong Decoction significantly improved the symptoms of AR patients. The metabolomics analysis revealed 20 differential metabolites between AR group and Xiaoqinglong Decoction group. The core metabolite with a trending return in comparison to normal group was trimethyladipic acid. The metabolites were involved in multiple pathways, including β-alanine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. The feasibility of applying nasal lavage fluid in nasal metabolomics was preliminarily demonstrated. Differential metabolites and enriched pathways in the treatment of AR patients with Xiaoqinglong Decoction were identified, indicating that it may improve rhinitis symptoms through the regulation of various metabolites, including antioxidant effects and correction of Th1/Th2 imbalance.

Soluções salinas em diferentes temperaturas e concentrações melhoram o pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal em escolares? / Do saline solutions at different temperatures and concentrations improve peak nasal inspiratory flow in students?

Introdução: A higiene nasal com solução salina mostrou aliviar a congestão, manter a cavidade nasal limpa e úmida e reduzir o espessamento do muco. Evidências que apoiam solução salina aquecida ou solução salina à temperatura ambiente, em diferentes concentrações, são controversas. Objetivo: Avaliar se soluções salinas aquecidas, em diferentes concentrações, são melhores que soluções salinas em temperatura ambiente para aumentar o fluxo inspiratório nasal em crianças saudáveis. Métodos: Estudantes entre 8 e 12 anos de idade foram submetidos a quatro procedimentos com soluções salinas em diferentes concentrações e temperaturas. O pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal foi medido antes e 30 minutos após cada procedimento. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do teste t de Student, considerando p < 0,05. Resultados: Avaliamos 46 crianças em todas as etapas, cada criança foi controle de si mesma. Solução salina a 3% apresentou melhores resultados, mas não houve diferença significativa no pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal quando comparadas solução salina a 0,9% e solução salina a 3%, aquecida ou em temperatura ambiente. Quando perguntado, as crianças prefeririam solução salina a 0,9% e aquecida. Conclusão: A solução salina a 3% apresentou maiores médias de pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal, mas não foi significativamente superior à solução salina a 0,9%. A solução salina aquecida não foi superior à solução salina em temperatura ambiente. É importante oferecer várias opções aos pacientes.

Introduction: Nasal hygiene with saline has been shown to relieve congestion, keep nasal cavity clean and moist, and reduce thickened mucus. Evidence supporting warmed saline or room temperature saline at different concentrations are controversial. Objective: To evaluate whether warmed saline at different concentrations is better than room temperature saline for improving peak nasal inspiratory flow in healthy children. Methods: Students between 8 and 12 years of age underwent 4 procedures with saline solutions at different concentrations and temperatures. Peak nasal inspiratory flow was measured before and 30 minutes after each procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, with p < 0.05. Results: We evaluated 46 children at all stages, and each child was self-controlled. Three percent saline had better results, but there was no significant difference in peak nasal inspiratory flow when compared to 0.9% saline, either warmed or at room temperature. Children reported preferring warmed 0.9% saline. Conclusion: Three percent saline had higher mean nasal inspiratory peak flow, but it was not significantly different from 0.9% saline. Warmed saline was not superior to room temperature saline. Providing patients with various options is important.

Therapeutic Observation of Electroacupuncture plus Nasal Irrigation for Upper Airway CoughSyndrome / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture plus nasal irrigation in treating upper airway cough syndrome (UACS).Method A total of 114 UACS patients were randomized into 3 groups, 38 cases in each group. Group A was treated with acupuncture plus electrical stimulation with sparse-dense wave, group B was intervened by nasal irrigation with Shuang Huang Lian, and group C was treated with the two methods together. The clinical efficacies of the three groups were compared.Result The total effective rates were respectively 84.2%, 73.7% and 94.7% in group A, group B and group C. The total effective rate of group C was significantly different from that of group A and group B (P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture plus nasal irrigation can produce a more significant therapeutic efficacy compared to electroacupuncture or nasal irrigation alone.

The Effectiveness of Budesonide Nasal Irrigation After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Asthma

OBJECTIVES: Budesonide nasal irrigation was introduced recently for postoperative management of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The safety and therapeutic effectiveness of this procedure is becoming accepted by many physicians. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative steroid irrigation in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma. METHODS: This prospective study involved 12 chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyps and asthma who received oral steroid treatment for recurring or worsening disease. The 22-item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores were checked before nasal budesonide irrigation, and 1, 2, 4, and 6 months after irrigation. We also calculated the total amount of oral steroids and inhaled steroids in the 6 months before irrigation and the 6 months after it. RESULTS: The mean SNOT-22 score improved from 30.8±14.4 before irrigation to 14.2±8.7 after 6 months of irrigation (P=0.030). The endoscopy score also improved from 7.4±4.7 before irrigation to 2.2±2.7 after 6 months (P<0.001). The total amount of oral steroid was decreased from 397.8±97.6 mg over the 6 months before irrigation to 72.7±99.7 mg over the 6 months after irrigation (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Nasal irrigation with budesonide is an effective postoperative treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis with asthma, which recurs frequently, reducing the oral steroid intake.

Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Production and Tissue Eosinophilia in Chronic Rhinitis

Abstract Introduction Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a strong proinflammatory cytokine that takes part in allergic nasal inflammation as an eosinophil colony-stimulating factor. However, the role of GM-CSF in non-allergic rhinitis has not been fully explored. Objectives The aim of this investigation was to assess the concentration of GM-CSF in nasal secretions of patients with non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES) in comparison to patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and healthy subjects, as well as to assess the relationship with the degree of eosinophilic inflammation and clinical characteristics of the patients. Methods Fourteen patients with diagnosis of NARES, 14 PAR patients, and 14 healthy subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. All patients underwent symptom score assessment, nasal endoscopy, allergy testing, and cytological evaluation. The concentration of GM-CSF in nasal secretions of all participants was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ). Results We found significantly higher levels of GM-CSF in patients with NARES than in the control group (p= 0.035). The percent of eosinophils in nasal mucosa was higher in NARES patients in comparison to patients with PAR (p< 0.001) and control patients (p< 0.0001). We found positive correlations between GM-CSF levels and eosinophil counts only in NARES patients. Conclusion The concentrations of GM-CSF in nasal secretions correlate well with eosinophil counts in the nasal mucosa of NARES patients. These facts indicate a possible role of GM-CSF as a favorable marker for assessment of nasal disease severity and the degree of chronic eosinophilic inflammation in the nasal mucosa.

The effects of smoking and smoking cessation on nasal mucociliary clearance, mucus properties and inflammation

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess nasal mucociliary clearance, mucus properties and inflammation in smokers and subjects enrolled in a Smoking Cessation Program (referred to as quitters). METHOD: A total of 33 subjects with a median (IQR) smoking history of 34 (20-58) pack years were examined for nasal mucociliary clearance using a saccharine transit test, mucus properties using contact angle and sneeze clearability tests, and quantification of inflammatory and epithelial cells, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations in nasal lavage fluid. Twenty quitters (mean age: 51 years, 9 male) were assessed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 12 months after smoking cessation, and 13 smokers (mean age: 52 years, 6 male) were assessed at baseline and after 12 months. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02136550. RESULTS: Smokers and quitters showed similar demographic characteristics and morbidities. At baseline, all subjects showed impaired nasal mucociliary clearance (mean 17.6 min), although 63% and 85% of the quitters demonstrated significant nasal mucociliary clearance improvement at 1 month and 12 months, respectively. At 12 months, quitters also showed mucus sneeze clearability improvement (∼26%), an increased number of macrophages (2-fold) and no changes in mucus contact angle or cytokine concentrations. CONCLUSION: This study showed that smoking cessation induced early improvements in nasal mucociliary clearance independent of mucus properties and inflammation. Changes in mucus properties were observed after only 12 months of smoking cessation.

Efeitos da desobstrução rinofaríngea retrógada isolada e associada à instilação de soro fisiológico (0,9NACL), sobre as propriedades do muco nasal, a celularidade e as citocinas em lavado nasal e sintomas nasais de motociclistas profissionais expostos à poluição da cidade de Belo Horizonte / Effects of isolated clearance rhinopharyngeal retrograde and clearance rhinopharyngeal retrograde associated with the irrigation of isotonic saline solution (0.9NaCl) on the nasal mucus properties, celularity, and in nasal lavage and the nasal symptoms in professional motorcyclists exposed to air pollutions in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Introdução: A desobstrução rinofaríngea retrógrada (DRR) é uma técnica de fisioterapia respiratória aplicada em lactentes para desobstrução de vias aéreas superiores, podendo, inclusive, ser associada à irrigação nasal com salina isotônica para remoção de muco viscoso aderido às paredes das vias aéreas. Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil de motociclistas profissionais expostos à poluição urbana no que se refere a transporte mucociliar nasal (TMCN), inflamação das vias aéreas superiores e sintomas nasais, e comparar o efeito da DRR isolada e associada à instilação de salina isotônica (DRR+S) nesta população. Métodos: Vinte e quatro voluntários divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (DRR e DRR+S) submeteram-se a 15 dias consecutivos de tratamento. A avaliação basal e a pós-intervenção constituíram-se da análise do teste de trânsito da sacarina, da celularidade total e diferencial do lavado nasal e dos sintomas de vias aéreas superiores por meio do questionário SNOT-20, bem como do estudo da exposição pessoal à poluição do ar, por meio da análise da concentração do NO2 de amostradores passivos. O TMCN foi avaliado pelo teste ANOVA não paramétrico com medidas repetidas e o SNOT-20 pelo teste Mann-Whitney. As correlações entre a concentração de NO2 e os desfechos das vias aéreas superiores foram testadas por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Resultados: Os grupos apresentaram dados clínicos e demográficos semelhantes. O TMCN apresentou-se alterado em 25% dos voluntários e 100% deles apresentavam sintomas de vias aéreas superiores. Após os tratamentos, os sintomas de vias aéreas e o TMCN evidenciaram melhora significativa, apesar do aumento no número de macrófagos e células ciliadas do lavado nasal. Não houve correlação entre o NO2 e o TMCN, tampouco em relação aos sintomas de vias aéreas superiores. CONCLUSÃO: Técnicas não farmacológicas, simples e de baixo custo são efetivas para recuperar o TMCN alterado e melhorar os sintomas de vias aéreas...

Introduction: Rhinopharyngeal Retrograde Clearance (RRC) is a respiratory therapy technique applied to infants with upper airway obstruction that may also be associated with nasal irrigation with isotonic saline for removal of viscous mucus adhered to the walls of the airways. OBJECTIVE: Characterize the profile of professional motorcycles exposed to urban pollution in relation to the nasal mucociliary transport (NMCT), inflammation of the upper airways and nasal symptoms and compare the effect of DRR alone and associated with instillation of isotonic saline (RCC + S). Methods: Twenty-four volunteers were randomly divided into two groups (RCC and RCC + S) and were submitted to 15 consecutive days of treatment. The baseline and post-intervention consisted of analysis of the transit saccharin test, the total and differential cellularity nasal lavage, and symptoms of upper airway through the SNOT-20, as well as the study of personal exposure to air pollution, by analyzing the concentration of diffuse nitrogen dioxide monitoring system. The NMCT was evaluated with ANOVA for repeated measures and the SNOT-20 with the Mann-Whitney test. The correlations between the concentration of NO2 and the upper airway outcomes were tested using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The groups showed similar demographic and clinical data. The NMCT was abnormal in 25% of the volunteers and 100% of the volunteers had symptoms of upper airways. After treatment the upper airway symptoms and the NMCT showed significant improvement despite the increase in the number of macrophages and ciliated cells on the nasal lavage. No correlation was observed between dioxide nitrogen and TMCN and with the symptoms of the upper airways. Conclusion: Nonpharmacological, simple and inexpensive techniques are effective to treat abnormal NMCT and improve symptoms of upper airway in nonsmoking adults...

A comparison of the efficacy of amoxicillin and nasal irrigation in treatment of acute sinusitis in children / 소아과

PURPOSE: The efficacy of antibiotic therapy for acute sinusitis is controversial. This study aimed to compare the efficacies of amoxicillin with nasal irrigation and nasal irrigation alone for acute sinusitis in children. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, controlled study included 80 children aged 4-15 years with a clinical presentation of acute sinusitis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either amoxicillin (80 mg/kg/day) in 3 divided doses orally for 14 days with saline nasal irrigation (for 5 days) and 0.25% phenylephrine (for 2 days) or the same treatment without amoxicillin. Clinical improvements in their initial symptoms were assessed on days 3, 14, 21, and 28. RESULTS: On day 3, patients in the amoxicillin with nasal irrigation group showed significant clinical improvement (P=0.001), but there was no significant difference in the degree of improvement between the amoxicillin with nasal irrigation and nasal irrigation alone groups during follow-up (P>0.05). In addition, no significant differences were seen in age, sex, and degree of improvement between groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: High-dose amoxicillin with saline nasal irrigation relieved acute sinusitis symptoms faster and more often than saline nasal irrigation alone. However, antibiotic treatment for acute sinusitis confers only a small therapeutic benefit over nasal irrigation.

pH in exhaled breath condensate and nasal lavage as a biomarker of air pollution-related inflammation in street traffic-controllers and office-workers

OBJECTIVE: To utilize low-cost and simple methods to assess airway and lung inflammation biomarkers related to air pollution. METHODS: A total of 87 male, non-smoking, healthy subjects working as street traffic-controllers or office-workers were examined to determine carbon monoxide in exhaled breath and to measure the pH in nasal lavage fluid and exhaled breath condensate. Air pollution exposure was measured by particulate matter concentration, and data were obtained from fixed monitoring stations (8-h work intervals per day, during the 5 consecutive days prior to the study). RESULTS: Exhaled carbon monoxide was two-fold greater in traffic-controllers than in office-workers. The mean pH values were 8.12 in exhaled breath condensate and 7.99 in nasal lavage fluid in office-workers; these values were lower in traffic-controllers (7.80 and 7.30, respectively). Both groups presented similar cytokines concentrations in both substrates, however, IL-1β and IL-8 were elevated in nasal lavage fluid compared with exhaled breath condensate. The particulate matter concentration was greater at the workplace of traffic-controllers compared with that of office-workers. CONCLUSION: The pH values of nasal lavage fluid and exhaled breath condensate are important, robust, easy to measure and reproducible biomarkers that can be used to monitor occupational exposure to air pollution. Additionally, traffic-controllers are at an increased risk of airway and lung inflammation during their occupational activities compared with office-workers. .

Evaluation of atopy in patients with COPD / Avaliação de atopia em portadores de DPOC

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of atopy and to evaluate clinical, laboratory, and radiological profiles in patients with COPD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients with stable COPD (defined by the clinical history and a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 70% of the predicted value). The patients completed a questionnaire regarding clinical characteristics and atopy, after which they underwent nasal lavage cytology, skin prick testing, chest X-rays, arterial blood gas analyses, and determination of total serum IgE. RESULTS: Of the 149 subjects studied, 53 (35.6%), 49 (32.8%), and 88 (59.1%) presented with nasal eosinophilia, a positive skin prick test result, and symptoms of allergic rhinitis, respectively. Correspondence analysis confirmed these findings, showing two distinct patterns of disease expression: atopy in patients with COPD that was less severe; and no evidence of atopy in those with COPD that was more severe (reduced FEV1 and hyperinflation). There was a statistically significant association between nasal eosinophilia and a positive bronchodilator response. CONCLUSIONS: Using simple and reproducible methods, we were able to show that there is a high frequency of atopy in patients with COPD. Monitoring inflammation in the upper airways can be a useful tool for evaluating respiratory diseases in the elderly and in those with concomitant asthma and COPD, a clinical entity not yet fully understood. .

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de atopia e avaliar o perfil clínico, laboratorial e radiológico de pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal com pacientes ambulatoriais portadores de DPOC estável (definida pela história clínica e relação VEF1/CVF < 70% do previsto após broncodilatador). Os pacientes responderam um questionário clínico e de atopia e foram submetidos a citologia de lavado nasal, teste cutâneo de alergia, radiografia de tórax, hemogasometria arterial e dosagem de IgE total. RESULTADOS: Dos 149 indivíduos avaliados, 53 (35,6%), 49 (32,8%) e 88 (59,1%), respectivamente, apresentavam eosinofilia no lavado nasal, teste cutâneo positivo e sintomas de rinite alérgica. A análise de correspondência confirmou esses achados, evidenciando dois perfis distintos de doença: a presença de atopia em pacientes com estágios mais leves de DPOC, e a ausência de características de atopia em pacientes com aspectos de doença mais grave (VEF1 reduzido e hiperinsuflação). Houve uma associação estatisticamente significante entre eosinofilia no lavado nasal e prova farmacodinâmica positiva. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo identificou uma alta frequência de atopia em pacientes com DPOC, utilizando ferramentas simples e reprodutíveis. A monitorização inflamatória de vias aéreas parece ser uma ferramenta útil para avaliar as doenças respiratórias em idosos, assim como em pacientes com sobreposição de asma e DPOC, entidade clínica ainda pouco compreendida. .

Actualización en el tratamiento con soluciones tópicas no corticoesteroidales en patología rinosinusal: revisión de la literatura / Update on non corticosteroidal topical solutions for rhinosinusal disease treatment: literature review

La rinosinusitis es una enfermedad frecuente, con una morbilidad considerable y una repercusión significativa sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Existe un conjunto de tratamientos tópicos complementarios en el manejo sintomático de la patología rinosinusal, dentro de los que se incluyen el uso de lavados nasales con diferentes soluciones. El objetivo de esta revisión fue evaluar los resultados en la literatura, de los diferentes métodos de aplicación de medicamentos tópicos nasales por irrigación y las diferentes soluciones utilizadas. Existen múltiples técnicas para la irrigación nasal, desde jeringas a presión positiva, hasta instilación por gravedad. Las soluciones se pueden categorizar en salinas, antibióticas, antifúngicas y detergentes, todas con indicaciones y resultados variados. La irrigación nasal con soluciones, representa una muy buena alternativa de tratamiento adyuvante en patología rinosinusal, al mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes, siendo un método de bajo costo de implementación y seguro.

Rhino sinusitis disease is a common problem with considerable morbidity and a significant impact on patient's quality of life. There is number of adjuvant treatments to manage symptoms of sinus disease, which includes the use of nasal lavages with different solutions. The aim of this review was to evaluate the literature results of different methods of application and solutions used for nasal topical irrigation. There are many techniques for nasal irrigation, from syringes with positive pressure to gravity instillation. The solutions can be categorized into saline, antibiotic, antifungal and detergents, all with particular indications and multiple results. Nasal irrigation represents a good alternative of adjuvant therapy in rhino sinusitis, to improve our patient's quality of life with a low-cost and safe method.

Changes of Alpha1-Antitrypsin Levels in Allergen-induced Nasal Inflammation

OBJECTIVES: Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is the main inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase, and plays a role in counteracting the tissue damage caused by elastase in local inflammatory conditions. The study evaluated the involvement of AAT in nasal allergic inflammation. METHODS: Forty subjects with mono-sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) were enrolled. Twenty allergic rhinitis patients frequently complained of nasal symptoms such as rhinorrhea, stuffiness, sneezing, and showed positive responses to the nasal provocation test (NPT) with Dpt (Group I). The other 20 asymptomatic patients showed sensitization to Dpt but negative NPT (Group II). The levels of AAT, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and Dpt-specific IgA antibodies were measured in the nasal lavage fluids (NLFs), collected at baseline, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours after the NPT. Nasal mucosa AAT expression was evaluated with immunohistochemical staining from Group I and Group II. RESULTS: At baseline, only the Dpt-specific IgA level was significantly increased in the NLFs of Group I compared with Group II, while ECP and AAT levels were not significantly different between two groups. After Dpt provocation, AAT, ECP, and Dpt-specific IgA levels were significantly increased in the NLFs of Group I during the early and late responses. The protein expression level of AAT was mostly found in the infiltrating inflammatory cells of the nasal mucosa, which was significantly increased in Group I compared to Group II. CONCLUSION: The increment of AAT showed a close relationship with the activation of eosinophils induced by allergen-specific IgA in the NLFs of patients with allergic rhinitis after allergen stimulation. These findings implicate AAT in allergen-induced nasal inflammation.

Changes of Alpha1-Antitrypsin Levels in Allergen-induced Nasal Inflammation

OBJECTIVES: Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is the main inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase, and plays a role in counteracting the tissue damage caused by elastase in local inflammatory conditions. The study evaluated the involvement of AAT in nasal allergic inflammation. METHODS: Forty subjects with mono-sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) were enrolled. Twenty allergic rhinitis patients frequently complained of nasal symptoms such as rhinorrhea, stuffiness, sneezing, and showed positive responses to the nasal provocation test (NPT) with Dpt (Group I). The other 20 asymptomatic patients showed sensitization to Dpt but negative NPT (Group II). The levels of AAT, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and Dpt-specific IgA antibodies were measured in the nasal lavage fluids (NLFs), collected at baseline, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours after the NPT. Nasal mucosa AAT expression was evaluated with immunohistochemical staining from Group I and Group II. RESULTS: At baseline, only the Dpt-specific IgA level was significantly increased in the NLFs of Group I compared with Group II, while ECP and AAT levels were not significantly different between two groups. After Dpt provocation, AAT, ECP, and Dpt-specific IgA levels were significantly increased in the NLFs of Group I during the early and late responses. The protein expression level of AAT was mostly found in the infiltrating inflammatory cells of the nasal mucosa, which was significantly increased in Group I compared to Group II. CONCLUSION: The increment of AAT showed a close relationship with the activation of eosinophils induced by allergen-specific IgA in the NLFs of patients with allergic rhinitis after allergen stimulation. These findings implicate AAT in allergen-induced nasal inflammation.

Comparison of Collecting Methods of Nasal Fluids Using Albumin after Nasal Provocation in Allergic Patients / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although different methods of collecting nasal fluid exist and can influence the result of the study, there have not been any studies made yet to compare the different methods. The authors aimed to evaluate the usefulness of these methods by comparing the albumin concentration of nasal fluid after nasal provocation in patients with allergic rhinitis. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In 22 patients with allergic rhinitis, we measured the change of nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea after nasal provocation using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In Group A (n=10), the nasal lavage and direct suction method were used and in Group B (n=12), nasal lavage and filter paper method were used. Nasal fluids were obtained before, 20 min after and 8 hours after provocation. The concentration of albumin was calculated using rate nephelometry. RESULTS: Patients' nasal symptoms were aggravated in early allergic reaction but subsided in late reaction. There was meaningful increase of albumin concentration with the use of direct suction and filter paper methods. In contrast, there was no significant increase of concentration with the use of lavage method. CONCLUSION: The filter paper method is superior in the quantitative analysis of mediators in nasal fluid after nasal provocation in allergic patients. The lavage method, however, is considered inappropriate because of its dilution effect.