Previous published work has indicated that treatment of the inside of the nose with certain wavelengths of light can reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of the phototherapy device on the relief of a range of symptoms provoked by indoor and outdoor allergens. A phototherapy emits visible light (mUV/VIS) and infrared light, and was compared to a placebo device which did not emit light on two groups of allergic rhinitis sufferers. Rhinophototherapy improved nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis arising from exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens. The difference in the intensity of symptoms scored at the baseline, and at the final visit for the group using the photoperiod device was significantly lower. The device could potentially help improve the quality of life for allergy sufferers. Phototherapy may be suitable for sufferers either as a replacement therapy or used alongside traditional medication.
Keywords: allergic rhinitis; allergy; grass pollen; intranasal; phototherapy.