Clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of patients with localized mucosal allergy

Background: Many researchers have focused on the definition and pathophysiology of localized mucosal allergy. However, there are few studies on its clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes. The goal of this study was to analyze the prevalence, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and response to antiallergic medication of localized mucosal allergy patients compared with those in patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods: Among 836 patients suspected to have rhinitis, 29 patients with localized mucosal allergy (group A) and 29 patients with allergic rhinitis (group B) were selected. Medical history, family history, symptoms, and their severity were obtained using a questionnaire. The change in minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) after provocation was measured by acoustic rhinometry. After 2 weeks of antihistamine medication, the changes in symptoms were compared between groups. Results: The prevalence of localized mucosal allergy was similar to 3.5%. There were no differences in patient history, symptoms, or symptom severity. The decrease in MCA after provocation was not significantly different. After two weeks of oral antihistamine (ebastine 10 mg once daily), group A reported significantly less symptom improvement than group B. Conclusion: Because patient or family history and clinical picture are very similar in localized mucosal allergy and allergic rhinitis, clinicians should take more care in differentiating them. Based on the reduced effectiveness of an oral antihistamine alone, a combined regimen of oral and topical antihistamine or anti-inflammatory medication is recommended for patients with localized mucosal allergy. (Am J Rhinol Allergy 24, e89-e92, 2010; doi:10.2500/ajra.2010.24.3497)