Bacillus clausii is a small rod shaped bacteria that forms endospores. It has been shown in previous studies to be an effective treatment for allergies in children. A study published in the April issue of Allergy and Immunology examined the effect of Bacillus clausii on the immune response in adults with allergic rhinitis.
The participants in the study inserted Bacillus clausii spores into each nare 3 times a day for 4 weeks. Baseline measurements of cytokine levels were taken as well as monitored throughout the study to test the effect the bacterial spores has on the immune response.
The study showed that Bacillus clausii lowered levels of cytokines, which induce an inflammatory response from the immune system, and increased cytokines; thus modulating an anti-inflammatory response.
The authors conclude that Bacillus clausii has an immunomodulatory effect via cytokine pathways and is an effective, safe treatment for allergic rhinitis in adults.
Prevention and treatment
The goal of rhinitis treatment is to reduce the symptoms caused by the inflammation of affected tissues. In cases of allergic rhinitis, the most effective way to decrease allergic symptoms is to completely avoid the allergen. Vasomotor rhinitis can be brought under a measure of control through avoidance of irritants, though many irritants, such as weather changes, are uncontrollable.
Allergic treatment
Allergic rhinitis can typically be treated much like any other allergic condition.
Eliminating exposure to allergens is the most effective preventive measure, but requires consistent effort.
Many people with pollen allergies reduce their exposure by remaining indoors during hay fever season, particularly in the morning and evening, when outdoor pollen levels are at their highest. Closing all the windows and doors prevents wind-borne pollen from entering the home or office. When traveling in a vehicle, closing all the windows reduces exposure. Air conditioners are reasonably effective filters, and special pollen filters can be fitted to both home and vehicle air conditioning systems.
Because many allergens cling to clothing, skin, and hair, regular cleaning reduces exposure and therefore symptoms. Many people bathe before sleeping, to minimize their exposure to potential allergens that could have stuck to their bodies during the day. Some people use nasal irrigation to physically remove contaminants from their noses.
Frequently cleaning floors and washing bedding can significantly reduce local irritants such as house dust mite, as well as those tracked in by family, pets and visitors.
Several antagonistic drugs are used to block the action of allergic mediators, or to prevent activation of cells and degranulation processes. These include antihistamines, cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, epinephrine (adrenaline), theophylline and cromolyn sodium. Anti-leukotrienes, such as Montelukast (Singulair) or Zafirlukast (Accolate), are FDA approved for treatment of allergic diseases. One antihistamine, Azelastine (Astelin), is available as a nasal spray.
More severe cases of allergic rhinitis require immunotherapy (allergy shots) or removal of tissue in the nose (e.g., nasal polyps) or sinuses.
Many allergy medications can have unpleasant side-effects, most notably drowsiness; more serious side-effects such as asthma, sinusitis, and even nasal polyps have also been reported however.
A case-control study found "symptomatic allergic rhinitis and rhinitis medication use are associated with a significantly increased risk of unexpectedly dropping a grade in summer examinations".