[Characteristics of hay fever during pollen season with regard to the influence of specific immunotherapy. I. Clinical course and biochemical changes in nasal lavage]

Nasal lavage is a useful tool for monitoring of inflammatory process in pollinosis. In 27 patients with pollen allergy the nasal lavage was performed before, during and after pollen season. The concentration of total protein, albumin and lysozyme were determined in obtained fluid. In one group Pollinex (Bencard) was applied before pollen season, and in the second one--placebo in similar injections. The concentrations of total protein in nasal lavage fluid was significantly lower after the pollen season in both analyzed groups. On the other hand, the concentrations of albumin and lysozyme were increased during pollen season relatively to values before and after the season. In patients treated with Pollinex observed values after the season were lower than in placebo group.