Methods for assessing nasal reactivity.

Three symptoms have to be evaluated in order to get a full view of nasal reactivity: sneezing, blockage and secretion; the background mechanisms for these symptoms are discussed. It is emphasized that the demand for accuracy in the test situation varies with the indication for the provocation test. A review of different application methods and substances used for provocation tests is given. Methods for assessment of the amount of secretion and changes of nasal airway resistance are discussed in more detail.