Effect of Topical Corticosteriods As a Protective

This study was performed with the purpose of testing the protectiveeffect of topical corticosteroids before nasal challenge test in cases ofallergic rhinitis.In addition, the study aimed at comparing the protective effect of thesedrugs against symptoms of allergic rhinitis e.g. sneezing, rhinorrhoae,itching when these drugs are used for 3 h. and for 2 weeks before nasalchallenge test. The study included 20 patients with allergic rhinitis. Thosepatients were divided into two groups; the first group used the topicalsteroids for 2 W. before nasal challenge test while the second group usedthe same drugs only for 3 h. before nasal challenge test. The results of ourstudy showed that the protective effect of topical steroids is nearly thesame in both groups.Clinically, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis were not provocated in bothgroups when nasal challenge test was done following the use of topicalsteroidsAt the same time, IgE assay showed that the level of this antibody waslowered nearly to the same value in both groups when measured afternasal challenge test following the use of topical steroids.from these results Fe can conclude tbat it is sufficient for thepatients with allergic rhinitis to use the topical steroids only for 3 h. toprotect themselves if they are expected to or accidentally exposed to theirspecific antigens. This is of course is considered to be simple and aneconomic way for the use of these drugs.It can also be concluded tbat the level of IgE in nasal secretions isconsidered to be an accurate measure to the degree of allergy and also isuseful in the follow up after treatment of these cases.