The International Study of the Allergic Rhinitis Survey: outcomes from 4 geographical regions

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem and is characterised by one or more symptoms, including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the features of AR and the physician's approach to the management of AR patients in four geographical regions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey concerning AR was completed by Honorary and Corresponding Members of the Italian Society of Rhinology from different countries among 4 world geographical regions—Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. RESULTS: The prevalence of AR was reported to be 15%–25%. Children and adolescents, as well as young adults, were the age groups more affected by AR with comorbidities of asthma, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and nasal polyposis. Nasal symptoms of AR were more intense in the spring (51.92%) and autumn (28.85%). The most common aero-allergens were pollen and mites (67.31%), animal dander and pollutants (23.08%), and fungal allergens (21.15%). Allergen-specific immunotherapy was prescribed for both perennial and seasonal allergens (32.69%) via sublingual swallow (46.15%) and subcutaneous (32.69%) routes. For the AR patients, the most prescribed drugs were intranasal corticosteroids (86.54%) and oral H₁-antihistamines (82.69%). CONCLUSION: A network of experts can improve our knowledge concerning AR epidemiology, and together with guidelines, could assist practitioners and otolaryngologists in standardising the diagnosis and treatment of AR.

Antibodies to dorsal root ganglia and olfactory cells in a patient with chronic sensory neuropathy and anosmia.

We report the case of a 51-year-old woman with anosmia and chronic sensory ataxic neuropathy. Olfactory tests suggested neurosensory anosmia. Immunocytochemical analysis showed serum antibodies against dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells and olfactory neurons, in the absence of other known causes of anosmia and sensory neuropathy. Clinical and laboratory data suggested a slow autoimmune process affecting dorsal root ganglion and olfactory cells.

Atomized Nasal Douche: Our Experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A recently proposed apparatus for the treatment of nasal inflammatory affections is the atomized nasal douche. The aim of the paper was to assess the efficacy of the atomized nasal douche in patients affected by acute or chronic rhinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 60 adult patients: They were subdivided into two groups and each group consisted of 15 patients suffering from vasomotor rhinitis and 15 patients affected by acute rhinitis. The former underwent atomized nasal douche and the latter underwent nasal lavages with saline solution. We performed bacterial cultures of the nasal swab and the secretions drawn from the nasal cavity, a rhinomanometric test, an assessment of the symptomatologic score before and after the treatment in all the patients. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, there was a reduction or complete disappearance of the bacterial colonies in 23 of the 30 patients treated with the atomized nasal douche, while in the control group the same result occurred in only 10 of the 30 patients. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that the atomized nasal douche performs an efficacious lavage of the nasal cavity, representing a good support for the treatment of inflammatory processes of the nose.

Atomized Nasal Douche: Our Experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A recently proposed apparatus for the treatment of nasal inflammatory affections is the atomized nasal douche. The aim of the paper was to assess the efficacy of the atomized nasal douche in patients affected by acute or chronic rhinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 60 adult patients: They were subdivided into two groups and each group consisted of 15 patients suffering from vasomotor rhinitis and 15 patients affected by acute rhinitis. The former underwent atomized nasal douche and the latter underwent nasal lavages with saline solution. We performed bacterial cultures of the nasal swab and the secretions drawn from the nasal cavity, a rhinomanometric test, an assessment of the symptomatologic score before and after the treatment in all the patients. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, there was a reduction or complete disappearance of the bacterial colonies in 23 of the 30 patients treated with the atomized nasal douche, while in the control group the same result occurred in only 10 of the 30 patients. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that the atomized nasal douche performs an efficacious lavage of the nasal cavity, representing a good support for the treatment of inflammatory processes of the nose.