Treatment of Olfactory Dysfunction in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Study Summary
Allergies are known to cause decreased sense of smell in some people, but it is not known if this is because of blockage in the nose or other processes. In this study, subjects with allergies and decreased sense of smell will be tested for allergies and their sense of smell. Subjects who qualify will then be assigned through the flip of a coin to take mometasone (a nasal steroid used to treat allergies) or a placebo (a drug containing no medication) for two weeks. We will measure the function of the nose before and after and a biopsy (a procedure to collect a tissue sample) will be performed at the end of the study. The goal of this study is to understand how allergies affect the sense of smell.
Participation Details
Eligible:
- Healthy, nonsmoking men and women between 18 and 59 years of age
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis by clinical history, with symptoms of decreased sense of smell
- Positive allergy testing (ragweed or grass)
- Symptoms of decreased sense of smell
Participation will consist of a screening visit to the lab. Eligible subjects will return for an initial visit for smell testing and nasal measurement (20 minutes). Subjects will take nasal spray for two weeks and return for a second visit for repeat smell testing, symptom evaluation, and nasal measurement (30 minutes). At the second visit, a biopsy of one side of the nose will be taken. Compensation is $100 for completion of the study.
Study Director: Jayant Pinto, MD
Department: Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery
For more information, please contact:
Marcy deTineo, RN
5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC1035
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 702-5889
mdetineo@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu
IRB: #14757A
