Understanding ocular comfort differences between 0.7% olopatadine and 0.3% pheniramine maleate/0.025% naphazoline hydrochloride eye drops.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study found 0.7% olopatadine (Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength) eye drops to provide better initial comfort than 0.3% pheniramine maleate/0.025% naphazoline hydrochloride (VISINE® Allergy Eye Relief Multi-Action Antihistamine and Redness Reliever) eye drops suggesting that patients may comply better with the Pataday than VISINE. BACKGROUND: To compare the ocular comfort at instillation of Pataday and VISINE allergy eye drops. METHODS: Minimally symptomatic participants were recruited based upon Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire scores (≤3 units); they also had minimal between-eye inter-ocular comfort differences as judged by visual analogue scale scores (VAS; ≤7 units). Baseline comfort was evaluated by eye with a VAS. One drop of Pataday or VISINE was then applied to the right eye with the alternative drop being applied to the left eye. The same VAS evaluated comfort by eye at drop instillation, and then at 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 2 minutes post-instillation. Drop experience was also evaluated with Likert questions. LogMAR visual acuities and bulbar conjunctival redness were evaluated pre- and post-drop instillation. RESULTS: A total of 159 participants were recruited (mean ± SD age = 26.2 ± 7.5). The VAS found that eyes treated with Pataday were significantly more comfortable at instillation than eyes treated with VISINE. Likert questions indicated that participants significantly preferred Pataday drops compared to the VISINE drops at instillation with regards to overall eye comfort, eye stinging, eye burning, and foreign body sensation. There were no between drop differences in visual acuity, though eyes treated with VISINE were less red than eyes treated with Pataday. CONCLUSIONS: Topically applied Pataday drops were more comfortable than VISINE drops.

Naphazoline and oxymetazoline are superior to epinephrine in enhancing the cutaneous analgesia of lidocaine in rats.

This study observed the cutaneous analgesic effect of adrenergic agonists when combined with lidocaine. We aimed at the usefulness of four adrenergic agonists and epinephrine as analgesics or as tools to prolong the effect of local anesthetics using a model of cutaneous trunci muscle reflex (pinprick pain) in rats. We showed that subcutaneous four adrenergic agonists and epinephrine, as well as the local anesthetic bupivacaine and lidocaine, developed a concentration-dependent cutaneous analgesia. The rank order of the efficacy of different compounds (ED50 ; median effective dose) was epinephrine [0.013 (0.012-0.014) µmol] > oxymetazoline [0.25 (0.22-0.28) µmol] > naphazoline [0.42 (0.34-0.53) µmol] = bupivacaine [0.43 (0.37-0.50) µmol] > xylometazoline [1.34 (1.25-1.45) µmol] > lidocaine [5.86 (5.11-6.72) µmol] > tetrahydrozoline [6.76 (6.21-7.36) µmol]. The duration of full recovery caused by tetrahydrozoline, oxymetazoline, or xylometazoline was greater (P < 0.01) than that induced via epinephrine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, or naphazoline at equianesthetic doses (ED25 , ED50 , and ED75 ). Co-administration of lidocaine (ED50 ) with four adrenergic agonists or epinephrine enhanced the cutaneous analgesic effect. We observed that four adrenergic agonists and epinephrine induce analgesia by themselves, and such an effect has a longer duration than local anesthetics. Co-administration of lidocaine with the adrenergic agonist enhances the analgesic effect, and the cutaneous analgesic effect of lidocaine plus naphazoline (or oxymetazoline) is greater than that of lidocaine plus epinephrine.

Treatment with olopatadine and naphazoline hydrochloride reduces allergic conjunctivitis in mice through alterations in inflammation, NGF and VEGF.

The aim of the current study was to investigate whether olopatadine and naphazoline hydrochloride reduce allergic conjunctivitis in mice through alterations in inflammation, NGF and VEGF. An allergic conjunctivitis mouse model was established using histamine or an antigen (ovalbumin), following which mice were treated with 1% olopatadine solution and/or 0.2 mg/ml of naphazoline hydrochloride. Histamine or antigen­induced conjunctival vascular hyperpermeability was examined and the levels of inflammatory factors, cytokines, IgE, GMCSF and NGF were analyzed using ELISA in antigen­induced conjunctival vascular hyperpermeability mice. In addition, VEGF protein expression was measured using western blotting in antigen­induced mice. The results indicated that olopatadine and naphazoline hydrochloride significantly suppressed conjunctival dye leakage in mice with histamine or antigen­induced conjunctival vascular hyperpermeability. In addition, treatment with olopatadine and naphazoline hydrochloride was able to reduce the levels of inflammatory factors (TNF­α, IL­1ß and IL­6), cytokines (IFN­Î³ and IL­4), IgE, GMCSF, and NGF in antigen­induced conjunctival vascular hyperpermeability mice. The protein expression levels of VEGF in antigen­induced conjunctival vascular hyperpermeability mice were reduced following treatment with olopatadine and naphazoline hydrochloride. These results suggest that treatment with olopatadine and naphazoline hydrochloride reduces conjunctivitis in mice via effects on inflammation, NGF and VEGF.

[The effect of vasonit on the structural/functional state of erythrocyte cytoplasmic membrane in patients with ischemic stroke].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of vasonit on the structural/functional state of erythrocyte cytoplasmic membrane in patients with ischemic stroke (11) using atomic-power microscopy in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 45 patients with II. Patients of the main group (n=30) received vasonit and standard treatment, 15 patients of the comparison group received only standard treatment. To assess the severity of patient's condition, we used the NIH stroke scale, modified Rankin scale, the Barthel index and the Rivermead Mobility index. Dried erythrocyte preparations were made to study erythrocyte cytoplasmic membrane. Scanning was performed using an atomic-power microscope manufactured by "SOLVER P47-Pro" (NT-MDT, Russia). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A statistically significant positive dynamics of neurological deficit and patient's functional state was found in the 14" day of the study. A significant decrease in Young's modulus value was identified in the main group that suggested the increase in the elasticity of erythrocyte cytoplasmic membrane.

Determinación de clorhidrato de nafazolina por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución en una solución oftálmica / Naphazoline hydrochloride assay by high performance liquid chromatography in an ophthalmic solution

Introducción: la Farmacopea de los Estados Unidos orienta cómo valorar clorhidrato de nafazolina en una solución oftálmica, pero indica el uso de una columna con grupos nitrilos unidos a sílice porosa, de uso poco frecuente. Objetivo: desarrollar y validar un método alternativo por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (CLAR) para la cuantificación de clorhidrato de nafazolina en una solución oftálmica. Métodos: el método desarrollado fue de separación isocrática con columna Zorbax SB-C18 (4,6 x 150 mm, 5 µm) y detección ultravioleta a 225 nm. Como fase móvil se empleó solución amortiguadora y acetonitrilo (proporción 85:15, v/v) y la solución amortiguadora fue de KH2PO4 (22 mM) y trietilamina (30 mM), ajustada a pH 3 con ácido fosfórico concentrado. La validación del método se realizó siguiendo las indicaciones de la Guía Q2(R1) de la Conferencia Internacional sobre la Armonización. Se evaluaron los parámetros siguientes: especificidad, precisión, exactitud, linealidad y rango. También se determinó la incertidumbre del método. Resultados: en la especificidad, el placebo no tuvo señal en la zona de clorhidrato de nafazolina; los coeficientes de variación obtenidos para la precisión intermedia resultaron inferiores a 1,5 por ciento; en la exactitud el recobrado fue de 101,52 por ciento y en la linealidad se demostró la ausencia de curvatura en el intervalo 50 a 150 por ciento. La incertidumbre expandida calculada fue un 3 por ciento de la cantidad declarada. Conclusiones: todos los parámetros de validación evaluados se encuentran dentro los límites de aceptación establecidos, por lo que el método es adecuado para los fines propuestos(AU)

Introduction: the United States Pharmacopeia specifies how to titer naphazoline hydrochloride in an ophthalmic solution, but suggests the use of a column with nitrile groups attached to porous silica which is barely used. Objective: to develop and to validate an alternative method by high resolution liquid chromatography for the quantification of naphazoline hydrochloride in an ophthalmic solution. Methods: the developed method was isocratic separation with a Zorbax SB-C18 column (4.6 x 150 mm, 5 µm) and ultraviolet detection set at 225 nm. The mobile phase was buffer and acetonitrile (85:15 ratio, v/v) and the buffer was KH2PO4 (22 mM) and triethylamine (30 mM), adjusted to pH 3 with concentrated phosphoric acid. The validation method was performed pursuant to the Guide Q2(R1) of the International Conference on Harmonization and the following parameters were evaluated: specificity, precision, accuracy, linearity and range. The method uncertainty was also estimated. Results: regarding the specificity, the placebo did not show any signal in the naphazoline hydrochloride zone; the relative standard deviation indexes for intermediate precision were less than 1.5 percent; as to accuracy, the recovery was 101.52 percent and the linearity showed absence of curvature in the 50 to 150 percent range. The estimated expanded uncertainty reached 3 percent of the stated amount. Conclusions: all the validation parameters under evaluation were within the set allowable limits, thus this method is suitable for the intended purposes(AU)

Purtscher's retinopathy after intramedullary nailing of a femoral shaft fracture in a 20-year old healthy female - report of a rare case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Purtscher's retinopathy is a sight threatening, occlusive microvasculopathy associated with trauma, it is rarely reported after long bone fractures. CASE PRESENTATION: A 20-year-old female sustained a femoral shaft fracture (AO 32-A2.3) in a ski accident colliding with a snowgun and was treated with intramedullary nailing one hour after the accident. 14 hours after surgery the patient complained of loss of vision in both eyes and was therefore referred to a neurologist, furthermore an MRI scan of the brain was performed. Neither showed any pathological findings. The patient was finally transferred to an ophthalmology department. After slit lamp examination and funduscopy Purtscher's retinopathy was diagnosed. Treatment was started right after diagnosis and 5 days after the onset of symptoms. The patient was administered intravenous haemo-rheologic therapy for five days as well as low molecular heparine in therapeutic dose and Vasonit® 400 mg bid orally.At follow-up 4 weeks and 6 months later visual acuity had improved after 4 weeks before that exam. At final follow-up the symptoms had almost resolved completely and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity had improved from originally 0.25 decimal in both eyes to 0.8 decimal UCVA and BCVA in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients suffering from perioperative loss of vision have to be referred for ophthalmological and neurological assessment as soon as possible. History of trauma and visual loss can point to the diagnosis of Purtscher's retinopathy.

Dilute brimonidine to improve patient comfort and subconjunctival hemorrhage after LASIK.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether dilute brimonidine (0.025%) reduces patient discomfort, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and injection after LASIK without a significant increase in the rate of flap complications or surgical enhancements. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, prospective study enrolled 180 patients (360 eyes) in a contralateral eye comparison of topical dilute brimonidine, naphazoline/pheniramine, or Systane Ultra (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) administered shortly before LASIK for any indication. Patients were evaluated for subconjunctival hemorrhage, injection, and flap dislocation 1 hour and 1 day postoperatively. Patient questionnaires measuring patient comfort and ocular symptoms were administered at these same follow-up visits. Patients were examined for 3 months to determine similar outcomes for standard indices of safety, predictability, efficacy, and enhancement rates. RESULTS: Scores of patient discomfort, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and injection were significantly lower in eyes treated with dilute brimonidine at the 1 hour and 1 day postoperative examinations. Refloats for mild-flap edge wrinkling were required in 3 brimonidine eyes (2.5%), 1 naphazoline/pheniramine eye (0.8%), and no control eyes, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .18). There was no significant difference between eyes at 3 months in terms of visual acuity, refractive error, corrected distance visual acuity, or rate of enhancement. CONCLUSIONS: Use of dilute brimonidine before LASIK reduces subconjunctival hemorrhage and injection and improves patient comfort after surgery. Flap edge wrinkling requiring refloat may still be a complication with dilute brimonidine.

Nasal irrigation with lavonase as ancillary treatment of acute rhinosinusitis: a pilot study.

A wide variety of nasal irrigation systems are currently available for improving nasal symptoms, but few studies have compared their effectiveness with respect to patient age and type of nasal disease. This pilot study aims to compare the efficacy of two irrigation systems in 20 patients (12 males and 8 females; age range, 19-54 years; mean age, 36) with acute rhinosinusitis and treated only with antibiotic (levofloxacin 500 mg/day for 10 days) and topical nasal decongestant (naphazoline 2 puffs in each nostril twice daily for 7 days). Patients were randomly assigned to the treatments, using either a nasal syringe (10 mL saline solution, 3 times daily for 14 days) (Group 1) or the recently available Lavonase system (250 mL saline solution sac, twice daily for 14 days) (Group 2). Work-up included history, evaluation of signs and symptoms (nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea), nasal endoscopy, and anterior rhinomanometry. Nasal irrigation with the Lavonase system was found to be more effective in reducing symptoms, as all significantly diminished (p<0.05). In addition, the Lavonase system significantly decreased nasal resistances (p<0.05). This preliminary study shows that the ancillary treatment of acute rhinosinusitis with Lavonase may be useful.

A presentation of longstanding toxoplasmosis chorioretinitis.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis gondii is the most common cause of focal necrotizing retinitis in healthy individuals. This case report describes a presentation of toxoplasmosis chorioretintis and reviews the current management options. CASE REPORT: A 10-year-old Hispanic girl presented with complaints of decreased vision in her right eye for 3 weeks. The patient had presumed ocular toxoplasmosis chorioretinitis with secondary granulomatous panuveitis. She was treated successfully with Bactrim (Roche Laboratories, Nutley, New Jersey) and topical steroids and cylcoplegics. CONCLUSION: Ocular toxoplasmosis is a self-limiting disease in immunocompetent individuals; however, proper diagnosis and early intervention improves visual outcome.

[Microhemocirculation and its correction in duodenal ulcer during period of rehabilitation].

The background of this research is to study morphological and functional microcirculatory channel condition with duodenum ulcer in the period of rehabilitation against the background of regular antiulcer therapy (1 group) and further treatment using Vazonit (2 group) in clinical conditions. EDU in animals results in marked microcirculatory disease in duodenum depending on the time of ulcer process development. Hypoxia is to be the significant factor associated with capillary stases, venous congestion. Blood flow impairment in organ results in metabolic damages of tissue structures. The results obtained are evidence of significant correction of microcirculatory channel state, improvement of regeneration and reparation processes. Vazonit improves the disorder of microcirculation and theological blood properties, restoring of macro and microangiopathy changes of hemocirculatory channel.

A comparison of the clinical efficacy of pheniramine maleate/naphazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution and olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution in the conjunctival allergen challenge model.

BACKGROUND: The signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include ocular redness and itching. Two treatment options currently indicated for acute ocular allergic reaction are pheniramine maleate 0.3%/naphazoline hydrochloride 0.025% ophthalmic solution, an over-the-counter antihistamine/vasoconstrictor combination; and olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% ophthalmic solution, a prescription antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare, at onset of action, the relative effectiveness of pheniramine/naphazoline and olopatadine, when administered before conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC), using the ocular allergy index (OAI) as the primary end point. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-masked, contralateral, active- and placebo-controlled, single-center study of the CAC model. The first 2 study visits established and confirmed the subjects' ocular allergic reaction (no medication administered). At visit 3, the subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 contralateral (right eye vs left eye) treatment combinations: pheniramine/naphazoline + olopatadine, pheniramine/naphazoline + placebo, or olopatadine + placebo. Medication was given 10 minutes before CAC. The subjects' erythema in the ciliary, conjunctival, and episcleral vessel beds; eyelid swelling; chemosis; and itching were evaluated at 7, 12, and 20 minutes after CAC. The OAI was calculated as a composite score of 6 signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis to assess global severity. Between-treatment differences in OAI scores were used to evaluate efficacy. Subjects were asked their eye drop preference at the conclusion of visit 3. RESULTS: Subjects (n = 83) ranged in age from 20 to 70 years (mean, 42.5 years), 61.4% (n = 51) were female, and 94.0% (n = 78) were white. Both pheniramine/naphazoline and olopatadine were associated with significantly lower OAI scores than placebo at all 3 time points (all, P < 0.001). OAI scores were significantly lower with pheniramine/naphazoline than with olopatadine at 12 and 20 minutes (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this patient sample, studied in a CAC model of onset of action, prophylactic pheniramine/naphazoline was more effective than olopatadine and placebo in alleviating the signs and symptoms of the acute ocular allergic reaction, as measured by the OAI.

[Efficacy of Derinox assessed with one PNIF (Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow) in patients suffering from common cold]. / Efficacité de Dérinox chez des patients souffrant d'une rhinite virale évaluée par un PNIF (Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerance of Dérinox (D) to Rhinofluimucil (R) and placebo (P) in the treatment of common cold, using an objective measure of nasal obstruction, the Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF--Clement Clarke International, Harlow, Angleterre). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group study enrolled 354 patients (34 P, 165 D et 155 R) included by 85 general practitioners. The treatment duration was 5 days at usual recommended dosage regimens. PNIF measures were done before drug administration (T0) as well as 15 min and 3 h after each intake. Moreover, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea and global discomfort were subjectively assessed. RESULTS: The efficacy of D was superior to that of P and R when comparing PNIF from T0 to T3 h after the first intake. At T15 min, rhinorrhea was significantly improved with both active treatments and global discomfort was significantly improved with D only. Treatment tolerance was satisfactory and comparable between the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of Dérinox(R) was superior to that of P and R for the improvement of the nasal obstruction (PNIF) between T0 and T3h (main criteria) after the first intake in patients suffering from common cold.

[The application of naphcon eye drops during Lasik surgery].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of Naphcon eye drops for preventing conjunctival bleeding during Lasik surgery. METHODS: One hundred cases (200 eyes) were divided into treating group and control group randomly according to using and not using Naphcon eye drops before Lasik surgery. Treating group patients received three times Naphcon eye drops during 15 minutes before surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of conjunctival bleeding from treating and control group were 8% and 15% respectively. There was significant statistical difference between them. CONCLUSION: Naphcon eye drop is an effective agent to prevent conjunctival bleeding.

Treatment of ulcerative endobronchial tuberculosis and bronchial stenosis with aerosolized streptomycin and steroids.

OBJECTIVES: Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) is defined as a tuberculous infection of the tracheobronchial tree. It has been reported that aerosolized therapy with streptomycin and steroids is useful for EBTB; however, the effectiveness of this therapy for bronchial stenosis has yet to be clarified. This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of aerosol therapy in the treatment of bronchial stenosis due to EBTB. DESIGN: An observational, historical, controlled comparative study. Retrospective analysis of 27 patients treated with conventional therapy, and prospective analysis of 30 patients treated with aerosol therapy. METHOD AND PATIENTS: Flexible bronchoscopy was performed at least twice in 57 patients with ulcerative EBTB, in whom the degree of bronchial stenosis between the first and last bronchoscopic examinations was estimated. Bronchial stenosis was graded as minimal, mild, moderate, severe or obstructive, and the follow-up of bronchial stenosis assessed as aggravation, no change or improvement. RESULTS: Conventional therapies led to aggravation in 13 patients, no change in 13 patients, and improvement in one patient. Aerosol therapy led to no change in 27 patients, and improvement in three patients. No patients developed aggravation. The differences between the therapeutic groups were significant. CONCLUSION: Aerosol therapy helps to prevent progressively severe bronchial stenosis due to EBTB.

Synthesis of some 1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(imidazole-1-yl)ethanone oxime and oxime ether derivatives and their anticonvulsant and antimicrobial activities.

In this study, oxime and oxime ether derivatives of anticonvulsant nafimidone [1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(imidozole-1-yl)ethanone] were prepared as potential anticonvulsant compounds. Nafimidone oxime was synthesized by the reaction of nafimidone and hydroxylamine hydrochloride. O-Alkylation of the oxime by various alkyl halides gave the oxime ether derivatives. Anticonvulsant activity of the compounds was determined by maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous metrazole (scMet) tests in mice and rats according to procedures of the Antiepileptic Drug Development (ADD) program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition to anticonvulsant evaluation, compounds were also screened for possible antibacterial and antifungal activities because of the structural resemblance to the azole antifungals, especially to oxiconazole. All compounds were evaluated against three human pathogenic fungi and four bacteria using the microdilution method. Most of the compounds exhibited both anticonvulsant and antimicrobial activities; the O-alkyl substituted compounds (2, 3, 4 and 5) were found to be more active than the O-arylalkyl substituted compounds in both screening paradigms.

[Radiation protective efficacy of alpha-adrenomimetics during local gamma irradiation of the skin]. / Protivoluchevaia éffektivnost' alpha-adrenomimetikov pri lokal'nom gamma-obluchenii kozhi.

In experiment with mice and rats radioprotective properties of direct alpha-adrenomimetic drugs: indraline, mesaton (phenylephrine) and naphthyzine (naphazoline) have been investigated by local early and late radiation injuries. The drugs were S. C. and C. administrated at the site of the thigh of the hind of the animal at intervals of 5-8 min locally was irradiated with gamma-60Co-rays in the doses of 26.3-53.7 Gy at a rate of the dose of 1.31-1.54 Gy/min. When S. C. injected the topical effect of the adrenomimetics was higher than the systemic one. In experiment with mice radioprotective efficiency of topical indraline (S. C. 50 and 100 mg/kg) in term of DRF was equal to 1.34 and 1.67 for radiation burn of the skin, 1.56 and 1.91 for 3rd month radiation contracture of the hind and 1.10 and 1.50 for partial amputation of the one. In the same condition the effect of topical mesaton (S. C. 1, 2.5, 5 mg/kg) in term of DRF was accordingly equal to 1.29, 1.49 and 1.62 for early radiation injury, 1.08, 1.20 and 1.46 for 3th month radiation contracture of the hind and 1.0, 1.14, 1.33 for partial amputation of the one; the effect of topical naphthyzine (5 mg/kg) in the term of DRF was 1.36 for early radiation injury. In experiment with rats radioprotective property of systemic indraline (I. M. 100 mg/kg) in the term of DRF was equal to 1.39 for radiation burn of the skin, 1.39 for 6th month radiation contracture of the hind, 1.41 for partial amputation of the one. When C. administrated the effect of topical indraline (5% solution in 50% DMSO or ethyl alcohol solution) in term of DRF was accordingly equal to 1.17 and 1.18 for radiation burn ot the skin, 1.50 and 1.35 for radiation contracture of the hind, 1.41 and 1.28 for amputation of the one. When S. C. administrated the effect of topical and systemic mesaton (2.5 mg/kg) in term of DRF was accordingly equal to 1.30 and 1.04 for radiation burn ot the skin. 1.25 and 1.0 for radiation contracture of the hind, 1.30 and 1.0 for amputation of the one.

Acoustic evaluation of the efficacy of medical therapy for allergic nasal obstruction.

Acoustic rhinometry (AR) was used for objective measurements of nasal cavity dimensions in conjunction with a 100-mm horizontal visual analogue scale (VAS) for simultaneous subjective assessments of nasal sensations of airflow. Studies were conducted on 45 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis before, during and after a 2-week period of treatment with oral emedastine difumarate, azelastine hydrochloride, and xiao qing long tang (a homeopathic decongestant), as well as intranasal fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray. During the treatment period, there was a significant increase in the right and left minimum cross-sectional areas (MCA) of the nose and/or nasal cavity volumes (NCV) in all groups. The average increase in MCA ranged from 21-39% after 1 week of treatment and 16-39% after 2 weeks, whereas that in the NCV ranged from 16-24% and 19-24%, respectively. Post-treatment measurements were not significantly different from the corresponding pre-treatment ones. These findings were in close agreement with that obtained with VAS, demonstrating that AR can be used to validate the application of VAS in the evaluation of nasal airflow during medical therapy.