Sympathomimetics in nasal allergy.

The effect of a topically administered alpha-adrenoceptor agonist (phenylpropanolamine) after allergen challenge was evaluated in a placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study in 10 subjects with allergic rhinitis in an asymptomatic period. The nasal airway resistance was objectively measured by anterior rhinomanometry after nasal allergen challenge. The degree of nasal blockage, secretion and the number of sneezes were registered in a score. Nasal airway resistance and the degree of blockage were found to be significantly reduced. Thus, alpha-adrenoceptor agonists might be used topically for symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis comprising mucosal congestion.