The effect of budesonide on nasal allergen challenge in patients with seasonal rhinitis and on nasal peak flow in healthy volunteers.

The influence on nasal allergen challenge of three different doses of budesonide and placebo administered three hours before or twice daily for one week before challenge was investigated out of season in twelve patients suffering from allergic rhinitis due to grass or brich pollen. Budesonide and placebo administered three hours before challenge significantly reduced the fall in nasal peak flow, sneezes and secretion. After one week's treatment only budesonide caused further significant decrease in sneezes and secretion and a significant increase in nasal peak flow before and after challenge. No dose-response relation was found. In twelve healthy subjects one week's treatment with budesonide significantly increased nasal peak flow compared to placebo.