The aim of this study was to investigate if there is a correlation bet
ween symptom score and response to histamine challenge in patients suf
fering from nonallergic nasal hyperreactivity. Eighteen patients with
perennial rhinitis entered the trial. All had negative skin prick test
s and normal total IgE. The nasal mucosa was challenged with three his
tamine concentration levels, 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml. The objective response
was recorded with rhinostereometry and was compared to symptom scores
estimated by the patients on a visual analogue scale. With simple anal
ysis of regression there was a significant correlation when challengin
g with 2 mg/ml (R = 0.695, p < 0.01) and 4 mg/ml (R = 0.569, p < 0.05)
. The results indicate that the model could be useful for objective as
sessment of the degree of non-allergic nasal hyperreactivity.