Nasal provocation testing: a review

Objective: This review focuses on the uses of nasal provocation testing (NP T) for scientific investigations of the mechanisms of allergic and nonaller gic rhinitis. It also describes the use of NPT as a diagnostic tool in clin ical practice. The indications, contraindications, advantages, and limitati ons of different techniques for evaluation of nasal responses are reviewed. The paper familiarizes investigators with particulars of different nasal d elivery systems, provocation agents, nasal patency measurements, secretion collection, and nasal lavage techniques. Data Sources: Relevant publications obtained from a literature review. Study Selection: Relevant publications on the topics of NPT, allergic, and nonallergic rhinitis were critically evaluated. Results and Conclusions: To date, NPT has been used primarily as a research tool for the investigation of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis with a wid e variety of techniques depending on the specific scientific purposes. NPT will continue to provide useful information about the pathogenesis of airwa y diseases. Standardized nasal provocation testing has the potential to bec ome a more frequently used clinical test in the diagnosis of allergic and o ccupational rhinitis and for determination of the appropriate and focused t herapy.