In a monocentric placebo-controlled double-blind study with two-period
cross-over the anti-obstructive effect of azelastine nasal spray was
evaluated, Nasal provocation with histamine or specific allergen respe
ctively was performed before the pollen season in 28 patients with a h
istory of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Efficacy was documented by rhino
manometry, acoustic rhinometry, rhinoscopy and symptom score. Acoustic
rhinometry showed a statistically significant lesser decrease in nasa
l cavity volume in favour of azelastine after histamine provocation (p
< 0.05). Reduction in nasal flow as determined by rhinomanometry conf
irmed this tendency (p < 0.1) after allergen provocation. The analysis
of the patients' symptom scores clearly indicated the superior effica
cy of azelastine as compared to placebo, especially for nasal obstruct
ion after provocation with both histamine (p = 0.005) and allergen (p
< 0.02).