CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE WITH CAPSAICIN THERAP Y IN CHRONIC RHINOPATHY

Eighty-four patients with clinical findings of hyperactive rhinopathy and no significant septal deviations were treated for 4 weeks with top ical applications of capsaicin, which is the pungent substance in hot peppers. A neutral solution of low-dose capsaicin allowed patients to administer self-therapy without the need for local anesthesia. The maj ority of the patients showed a marked reduction in symptoms without si gnificant side effects. Patients with (additional) allergic or medicat ion-related rhinopathy seemed to show fewer therapeutic effects when c ompared to patients with only hyperactive rhinopathy.