A Nasally Applied Cellulose Powder in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis in Adults with Grass Pollen Allergy: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study

Abstract

Background: A nasally applied cellulose powder is increasingly used in many countries as a remedy for allergic rhinitis. In 2009, a 4-week study in birch pollen-allergic children showed a reduction in nasal symptoms. The best effect occurred on days with lower pollen counts. The present study in grass pollen-allergic adults used the same basic design. Methods: In May 2013, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 108 patients with allergic rhinitis due to grass pollen (18-40 years of age). SMS on mobile phones were used as reminders of treatment and reporting of symptom scores. Results: We found significant reductions in severity scores for sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose and symptoms from eyes and lower airways, both separately and together (all p < 0.001). Reflective opinion of effect and guess on treatment at follow-up visits (both p < 0.001) confirmed a high efficacy. No clinically significant adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: The product provided significant protection against all seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms from both upper and lower airways during the grass pollen season in an adult population. The magnitude and scope of efficacy support the use of the product as an early choice in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Efficacy of Nasal Cellulose Powder in the Symptomatic Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…Our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study has shown a similar efficacy of NCP and the placebo in clinical symptom scores, nasal eosinophil counts, and objective measurements of nasal airflow limitation. These results are in contrast to those of previous double-blind placebo-controlled studies, which have demonstrated the efficacy of NCP over the placebo treatment in patients with birch pollen AR, in terms of reductions in symptom scores811 and rescue medication use 9. These differences may be explained from the amount and presence of allergen exposure to AR patients.…”

“…However, several previous studies have evaluated the efficacy of NCP in patients who have stopped the use of intranasal steroids or have never used them before and during the enrollment,8911 which is similar to our study. A recent study has demonstrated the efficacy of NCP in enhancing oxymetazoline-increased PNIF in adults with moderate to severe persistent perineal AR 24.…”

“…Previous studies have suggested that NCP can reduce symptoms of persistent rhinitis from birch pollen allergy and dust mite allergy in adults 89101112. However, evidence for the efficacy of this product has not been provided in dust mite-sensitized AR children.…”

Effect of Cellulose Powder on Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Activity and Ciliary Beat Frequency

“…The formation of a gel layer lining the nasal epithelia means that CP has the capacity of CP to protect the nasal mucosa from direct contact with aeroallergens that would readily trigger allergic inflammatory responses [9]. Administration of CP via Nasaleze TM (Kisska International Ltd., Keighley, UK), the most extensively applied device for intranasal dosing, is effective in restoring nasal epithelial mucus thickness and reducing sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with seasonal AR [10].…”

“…Recent clinical trials confirmed the effectiveness and safety of CP for the management of AR [9, 11, 12]. In contrast, another study demonstrated that CP conferred no significant effect on ameliorating dust mite-sensitized AR children [13].…”