Comparison of SPT and NPT in the ascertainment of nasal mucosa as shock organ.

The Skin Prick Test (SPT) is the principal tool in allergic diagnosis, but in allergic rhinitisan immunological disease which affects 12% of the total population-the Nasal Provocation Test (NPT) allows more reliable results to be obtained. In our study a positive response to NPT has been found in four subjects with a history of symptoms suggesting allergic rhinitis, who had a negative SPT. Subjects with a positive SPT for two or more inhalant antigens have a significantly reduced number of antigen responses to NPT. Moreover, in two cases, the antigen than induced a positive response to NPT was different from the antigen that induced positive SPT. So. NPT is a reliable way of diagnosing allergic rhinitis. A more specific and reliable ascertainment of the antigen responsible for allergic reaction avoids unnecessary and ineffective immunotherapeutical attempts based on false assumptions.