Cromolyn Sodium has no Significant Direct Effect on Nasal Mucosal Congestion or Histamine Sensitivity

Abstract

The mast cell stabilizing action of cromolyn sodium has long been known. This action reduces symptoms from exposure to allergen. Recent studies, however, also indicate a direct action of cromolyn sodium, which reduces symptoms even if cromolyn sodium is given after allergen exposure. The mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The aims of this study were to examine whether cromolyn sodium has a decongestive effect on the nasal mucosa and whether it reduces the histamine sensitivity of the nasal mucosa. Fourteen healthy volunteers took part in the trial. The study was designed as a double-blind cross-over study, in which the subjects were pretreated with placebo or cromolyn sodium 30 minutes before recording the nasal mucosa swelling and histamine sensitivity. The recordings were made with rhinostereometry. The results show that cromolyn sodium has no decongestive effect and that the mean histamine sensitivity is lower after cromolyn sodium pretreatment, but the difference is not significant.