Nasal sprays containing a drug-free aqueous gel emulsion or essential oils appear to help relieve symptoms of
allergic rhinitisas shown by two studies presented at AAAAI 2023.
In the first study, a single dose of the drug-free thixotropic nasal spray AM-301 significantly reduced symptoms triggered by grass pollen (n = 36; least squares mean change in Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), –1.09 points, 95 percent confidence interval (CI), –1.65 to –0.54; p<0.0001) or house dust mites (n = 37; least squares mean change TNSS, –1.08 points, 95 percent CI, –1.87 to –0.28; p<0.01) compared with no treatment in people with seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis. (AAAAI 2023, abstract 337)
Compared to a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) nasal spray, AM-301 had comparable results, with no significant difference between groups in TNSS change. However, the HPMC spray had poorer subjective ratings of effectiveness, with patients and clinicians rating the nasal spray as less effective.
A semi-quantitative assessment of the distribution of fluorescently labeled AM-301 and residence time in the nose and oropharynx showed that the agent was capable of coating the vestibule and inferior turbinate mucosa for 3 to 4 hours, as well as the average cornet for up to 60 minutes. Fluorescence appeared in the oropharynx after 20 to 30 minutes.
Finally, AM-301 exhibited favorable safety and tolerability.
“AM-301 (works by forming) a protective barrier inside the nose to prevent contact of the nasal mucosa with allergens,” according to lead researcher Dr. Anne Marie Salapatek of Cliantha Research in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada .
Based on these results, Salapatek believes that AM-301 represents an attractive drug-free treatment alternative to currently available medicated nasal spray options.
A more natural option
Meanwhile, an essential oil nasal spray formulation containing menthol, eucalyptol, thymol, camphor, birch oil, pine oil, cinnamon and mint has also relieved symptoms.
In a retrospective study involving 18 participants (aged 16 to 80 years, 14 female) with seasonal allergic rhinitis, treatment with essential oil nasal spray for at least 1 week resulted in a significant reduction in sino-nasal outcome test. (SNOT-22). ) scores (p=0.003). (AAAAI 2023, abstract 326)
The average SNOT-22 score increased from 37.1 points at baseline to 20.1 points at the final assessment, resulting in a 40.2% improvement in total symptom score.
Self-reported symptom severity decreased for 20 of 22 symptoms, with the largest reductions seen in 12 items, including runny nose, cough, postnasal drip, and quality of life characteristics.
“Allergic airway diseases impose a significant burden on quality of life, with an increasing percentage of this population using integrative medicine that includes herbal medicine and essential oil therapy,” said lead author Dr. Leonard Bielory, professor of medicine, allergy and immunology. , and in ophthalmology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley, New Jersey, United States.
Already, the essential oil spray has shown some signs of benefit in a population of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, as assessed using the Allergic Rhinitis Control Test, Bielory said. Current data suggests the spray “may be an option for patients who want to explore more natural methods of relieving allergy symptoms.”
