Patients exposed to pollutants are more likely to suffer from allergic rhinitis and may benefit from antioxidant treatment. Our study determined if patients diagnosed with grass-induced allergic rhinitis could benefit from broccoli sprout extract (BSE) supplementation. In total, 47 patients were confirmed with grass-induced allergic rhinitis and randomized to one of four groups: group 1 (nasal steroid spray + BSE), group 2 (nasal steroid spray + placebo tablet), group 3 (saline nasal spray + BSE) and group 4 (saline nasal spray + placebo tablet). Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF), Total Nasal Symptoms Scores (TNSS) and nasal mucus cytokine levels were analyzed in samples collected before and after the 3-week intervention. Comparing before and after the intervention, PNIF improved significantly when comparing Groups 1 and 2, vs. placebo, at various time points (p ≤ 0.05 at 5, 15, 60 and 240 min) following nasal challenge, while TNSS was only statistically significant at 5 (p = 0.03), 15 (p = 0.057) and 30 (p = 0.05) minutes. There were no statistically significant differences in various cytokine markers before and after the intervention. Combining nasal corticosteroid with BSE led to the most significant improvement in objective measures.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting both children and adults. Skin barrier defects seen in AD predispose patients to IgE sensitization and increase the risk of developing other atopic conditions, such as food allergies and allergic rhinitis. Food and aeroallergens are often perceived as triggers for worsened AD control, though this notion can be confounded by additional factors (i.e. stress, humidity, inadequate skin care), prompting further evaluation with allergy testing. In this review, we offer guidance on appropriate allergy testing for these sometimes nebulous situations. Obtaining a thorough history is paramount in the evaluation of allergies. Current diagnostic testing options include in vivo (i.e. skin prick test [SPT]) and in vitro testing that measures allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies. Skin testing is the primary test used by the allergist; however, clinicians should be aware of procedural techniques and various nuances that can affect test results. The ImmunoCAP assay for both food and aeroallergens is the standard in vitro test in allergy practices. <!----> <!----> <!----> <!---->